Nissan, Tesla Sold Most California ZEV Credits In 2013

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

In one corner of the California ZEV credit octagon, the Tesla and its air of luxury. On the other side, the Nissan and its down-to-earth vibe.

Who won this year? Nissan.

AutoblogGreen reports the Japanese automaker sold more ZEV credits than the Californians, though not by much: 663.6 to 650.195. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles pulled up at a distant third with 235.2 sold, thanks to the existence of the Fiat 500e.

As for who bought them — purchase price per credit is permanently shrouded in secrecy — Mercedes likely took Nissan’s credits for the former’s less green offerings, Honda following behind with 542.5 purchased. FCA, again, placed third with 237.8, cancelling out what the 500e gained.

Finally, California residents brought home 3.5 million vehicles during the period ending last month, with 38,000 EVs, 30,000 PHEVs and 570,000 hybrids roaming the streets and highways.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • FormerFF FormerFF on Oct 23, 2014

    It's rather silly to focus on a small number of zero tailpipe emissions vehicles. Any new car pollutes very little. They should be looking at reducing the emissions of those vehicles (and offroad vehicles and devices, some lawn equipment pollutes more than any car) instead. Trying to get a vehicle to emit zero pollutants flies in the face of the law of diminishing returns.

    • See 3 previous
    • Master Baiter Master Baiter on Oct 23, 2014

      @Pch101 There are plenty of ways to reduce "greenhouse gas" emissions that don't involve messing around with car regulations. Here's just three: 1. Commit suicide. 2. Eat your dog. 3. Don't reproduce.

  • 360joules 360joules on Oct 23, 2014

    The immediate impacts to human health are the NOX emissions and particulates. ICE emissions especially make the small particulates that wind their way deep into lung bronchioles and even alveolar spaces. Noisewater is right, this is very point source stuff. My 20 year old 2 stroke line trimmer and leaf blowers emit way more crap than the 20 year old 4Runner, but they still work reliably so I only run them when the atmospheric conditions are right (small hypocrisy). Work a night shift in an emergency department when a stagnant, hot high pressure weather system has flushed out all of your pulmonology patients, watching them gasping to breathe, yeah, then the emissions crap seems necessary. But instead of expensive subsidies for cars, a cheaper way would be to target yard appliances like mine.

  • VoGo VoGo on Oct 23, 2014

    If my math is correct, 20% of new cars sold in our largest state use alternative fuel or are hybrids. That's awesome!

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