Wheego Electric Cars, Inc.; Grant of Petition for Temporary Exemption From the Electronic Stability Control Requirements of FMVSS No. 126, 47915-47918 [2012-19720]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 155 / Friday, August 10, 2012 / Notices a FMVSS or regulations, considers available relevant motor vehicle safety data, and consults with other agencies, as it deems appropriate. Further, the statute mandates that in issuing any FMVSS or regulation, the agency considers whether the standard or regulation is ‘‘reasonable, practicable and appropriate for the particular type of motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment for which it is prescribed,’’ and whether such a standard will contribute to carrying out the purpose of the Act. The Secretary is authorized to invoke such rules and regulations, as deemed necessary to carry out these requirements. Using this authority, on May 12, 2009, the agency published a final rule (74 FR 22348) upgrading the requirements of FMVSS No. 216, ‘‘Roof crush resistance.’’ The final rule contained a collection of information because of the proposed phase-in reporting requirements. The collection of information requires manufacturers of passenger cars and of trucks, buses and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 2,722 kilograms (6,000 pounds) or less, to annually submit a report, and maintain records related to the report, concerning the number of such vehicles that meet two-sided quasi-static test requirements of FMVSS No. 216 during the three year phase-in of those requirements. The purpose of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements is to assist the agency in determining whether a manufacturer of vehicles has complied with the requirements during the phase-in period. Affected Public: Businesses. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,260 hours. ADDRESSES: Send comments, within 30 days, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention NHTSA Desk Officer. Comments are invited on: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the Departments estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. A comment to OMB is most effective if VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:02 Aug 09, 2012 Jkt 226001 OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. 47915 I. Statutory Basis for Temporary Exemptions NHTSA established 49 CFR Part 555, Temporary Exemption From Motor Vehicle Safety and Bumper Standards, to implement the statutory provisions concerning temporary exemptions. A vehicle manufacturer wishing to obtain an exemption from a standard must demonstrate in its application (A) that an exemption would be in the public interest and consistent with the Safety Act and (B) that the manufacturer satisfies one of the following four bases for an exemption: (i) Compliance with the standard would cause substantial economic hardship to a manufacturer that has tried to comply with the standard in good faith; (ii) the exemption would make easier the development or field evaluation of a new motor vehicle safety feature providing a safety level at least equal to the safety level of the standard; (iii) the exemption would make the development or field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle easier and would not unreasonably lower the safety level of that vehicle; or (iv) compliance with the standard would prevent the manufacturer from selling a motor vehicle with an overall safety level at least equal to the overall safety level of nonexempt vehicles. For an exemption petition to be granted on the basis that the exemption would make the development or field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle easier and would not unreasonably lower the safety level of the vehicle, the petition must include specified information set forth at 49 CFR 555.6(c). The main requirements of that section include: (1) Substantiation that the vehicle is a low-emission vehicle; (2) documentation establishing that a temporary exemption would not unreasonably degrade the safety of a vehicle; (3) substantiation that a temporary exemption would facilitate the development or field evaluation of the vehicle; (4) a statement of whether the petitioner intends to conform to the standard at the end of the exemption period; and (5) a statement that not more than 2,500 exempted vehicles will be sold in the United States in any 12month period for which an exemption may be granted. The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act), codified as 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to exempt, on a temporary basis and under specified circumstances, motor vehicles from a motor vehicle safety standard or bumper standard. This authority is set forth at 49 U.S.C. 30113. The Secretary has delegated the authority in this section to NHTSA. II. Electronic Stability Control Systems Requirement In April 2007, NHTSA published a final rule requiring that vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kilograms (kg) (10,000 pounds) or less be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) systems. ESC systems use automatic computer-controlled braking of individual wheels to assist the driver in maintaining control in critical driving Issued on: August 6, 2012. Christopher J. Bonanti, Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. [FR Doc. 2012–19677 Filed 8–9–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Docket No. NHTSA–2012–0013] Wheego Electric Cars, Inc.; Grant of Petition for Temporary Exemption From the Electronic Stability Control Requirements of FMVSS No. 126 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of grant of a petition for temporary exemption from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems. AGENCY: This notice grants the petition of Wheego Electric Cars, Inc. (Wheego) for the temporary exemption of its LiFe model from the electronic stability control requirements of FMVSS No. 126. The agency has considered Wheego’s petition for exemption and has determined that the exemption would facilitate the development or field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle and would not unreasonably reduce the safety level of that vehicle. DATES: This exemption is effective immediately and remains in effect until December 31, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Jasinski, Office of the Chief Counsel, NCC–112, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building 4th Floor, Room W41–326, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366–2992; Fax: (202) 366–3820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1 47916 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 155 / Friday, August 10, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES situations in which the vehicle is beginning to lose directional stability at the rear wheels (spin out) or directional control at the front wheels (plow out). An anti-lock brake system (ABS) is a prerequisite for an ESC system because ESC uses many of the same components as ABS. Thus, the cost of complying with FMVSS No. 126 is less for vehicle models already equipped with ABS. Preventing single-vehicle loss-ofcontrol crashes is the most effective way to reduce deaths resulting from rollover crashes. This is because most loss-ofcontrol crashes culminate in the vehicle leaving the roadway, which dramatically increases the probability of a rollover. NHTSA’s crash data study of existing vehicles equipped with ESC demonstrated that these systems reduce fatal single-vehicle crashes of passenger cars by 55 percent and fatal singlevehicle crashes of light trucks and vans (LTVs) by 50 percent.1 NHTSA estimates that ESC has the potential to prevent 56 percent of the fatal passenger car rollovers and 74 percent of the fatal LTV first-event rollovers that would otherwise occur in single-vehicle crashes.2 The ESC requirement became effective for substantially all vehicles on September 1, 2011. III. Overview of Petition In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 30113 and the procedures in 49 CFR part 555, Wheego Electric Cars, Inc. (Wheego) submitted a petition dated August 15, 2011 asking the agency for a temporary exemption from the electronic stability control requirements of FMVSS No. 126. The basis for the application is that the exemption would make the development or field evaluation of a low-emission vehicle easier and would not unreasonably lower the safety level of that vehicle. Wheego requested an exemption for the LiFe model for a period from September 1, 2011 to August 1, 2012. Wheego is a Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Wheego began manufacturing and selling low-speed electric vehicles in the U.S. in June 2009. In April 2011, Wheego began manufacturing and selling its first all-electric passenger car, the two-door, two-seat LiFe model. Wheego also states that it is developing a four-door passenger vehicle for sale in late 2012. In February 2011, Wheego was granted a temporary exemption from the 1 Sivinski, R., Crash Prevention Effectiveness of Light-Vehicle Electronic Stability Control: An Update of the 2007 NHTSA Evaluation; DOT HS 811 486 (June 2011). 2 Id. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:02 Aug 09, 2012 Jkt 226001 advanced air bag requirements of FMVSS No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection, that is effective until February 11, 2013.3 Wheego states that it plans to meet all other current FMVSSs for a passenger car. Wheego asserts that the company had intended to develop an ESC system for the LiFe. However, delays in funding and later developments have made it impossible for Wheego to develop an ESC system for the LiFe before September 2011. Wheego requested an exemption from the ESC requirements until August 1, 2012 for up to 1,000 vehicles so that it can continue its development and evaluation of a lowemission vehicle. Wheego stated that the company intends to comply with FMVSS No. 126 at the end of the exempted period. Wheego believes that a temporary exemption would not unreasonably degrade the safety or impact protection of the vehicle. Wheego states that the LiFe has an ABS system that prevents loss of control by preventing the wheels from locking up and the tires from skidding during braking. Wheego also asserts that its standard tires are wide with wide, circumferential grooves that provide rapid water evacuation to aid wet traction. Wheego also notes that the LiFe is limited to a top speed of 65 mph, which may contribute to a reduction of crashes associated with high speeds. Wheego also states that the LiFe has a low center of gravity with 762 pounds of batteries beneath the floorboard of the vehicle. Further, Wheego argues that the relatively limited range of the LiFe compared to gasoline-powered vehicles (100 miles before needing a charge) makes it less likely that a LiFe would be involved in a high-speed or rollover crash. Wheego also asserts that the relatively small number of vehicles that would be produced under the exemption suggests that the exemption would have a negligible effect on vehicle safety. Wheego asserts that an exemption would make the development or field evaluation of a low-emission vehicle easier. Wheego states that it would be able to use consumer feedback and other testing and evaluation to improve design and efficiency to improve charging, battery management, and safety systems in future vehicle models. Wheego states that, without the exemption, the company would not be able to produce enough cars or revenue to sustain these developments or to launch a new vehicle model. Wheego also believes that its success can add to 3 See 76 FR 7898 (Feb. 11, 2011); Docket No. NHTSA–2010–0118. PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the overall development of lowemission vehicles as a whole by demonstrating the viability of electric cars to consumers and encouraging other manufacturers to build electric cars. Wheego also asserts that the granting of the exemption would be in the public interest. Wheego notes that NHTSA has traditionally found that the public interest is served by affording consumers a wider variety of motor vehicles, by encouraging the development of fuel-efficient and alternative-energy vehicles, and by providing additional employment opportunities. Wheego believes that granting this petition serves each of those interests. In a supplement to its petition filed on June 11, 2012, Wheego reduced the number of exempted vehicles it intends to produce and the time period for the exemption. Wheego now intends to manufacture 165 vehicles under this exemption by the end of 2012. IV. Notice of Receipt On January 30, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 4623) a notice of receipt of Wheego’s petition for temporary exemption, and provided an opportunity for public comment. We received 12 comments, including comments from the Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety (Advocates) and 11 private individuals. All of the commenters opposed granting Wheego’s petition. Wheego responded to the commenters through its own submission and through a supplemental petition. Wheego also met with the agency informally to discuss its application pursuant to 49 CFR 555.7(f). A memorandum summarizing that meeting has been placed in the docket. V. Agency Analysis, Response to Comment, and Decision In this section, we provide our analysis and decision regarding Wheego’s temporary exemption request concerning the ESC requirements of FMVSS No. 126, including our response to the comments received. As discussed below, we are granting Wheego’s petition for the LiFe to be exempted, for a period ending December 31, 2012, from the requirements of FMVSS No. 126. The agency’s rationale for this decision is as follows: First, we conclude that Wheego has shown that an exemption from the ESC requirements would make the development or field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle easier. Specifically, we agree with Wheego that allowing continued production on a limited basis of additional LiFe models E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 155 / Friday, August 10, 2012 / Notices now under an exemption will make it easier for Wheego to design and produce future low emission vehicle models without an exemption. Further, the production of additional LiFe models would allow consumers of all-electric vehicles an additional option during the exemption period. We agree with Wheego that continued production of its vehicle will help to demonstrate to the U.S. public the capabilities of electric vehicles. We also agree with Wheego that continued production of the LiFe for the limited period will allow it to develop fully FMVSScompliant electric vehicles. For that reason we agree that denial of the petition could jeopardize Wheego’s ability to produce other electric vehicles in the future. For these reasons, we agree with Wheego that granting this petition will encourage the development and sale of electric vehicles by Wheego and also by other manufacturers. Second, NHTSA concludes that the grant of this exemption would not unreasonably lower the safety or impact protection level of the vehicle. In particular, we have considered that Wheego produces a low-center-ofgravity, two-seat vehicle. The low center of gravity provides some additional reduction of loss-of-control crashes relative to other passenger cars. The LiFe’s limited speed capability is also a factor in favor of granting the exemption. Furthermore, because the LiFe has a limited range (100 miles) and would be used less during winter months (due to even more limited range caused by the effect of cold weather on the batteries), a LiFe is likely to be driven fewer miles compared to an average vehicle. We believe that this factor diminishes the likelihood that the failure to include an ESC system on the LiFe would unreasonably lower the safety level of the vehicle. Eight of the individual commenters opposing the grant of Wheego’s petition stated that NHTSA should not grant any exemption from the ESC requirements, citing the safety benefits of ESC. Three additional commenters objected to the grant of any exemption at all. The Advocates argue that ESC is an important and proven safety improvement. In support of their argument, the Advocates cite agency and industry research, including the agency’s most recent study of ESC system effectiveness.4 While the agency continues to believe that ESC has a substantial effect on the number of vehicle crashes, the relevant inquiry is not the effectiveness of ESC systems. Rather, the relevant inquiry is whether 4 See supra, note 1. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:02 Aug 09, 2012 Jkt 226001 an exemption would unreasonably lower the safety level of the vehicle in question. Although the agency has found substantial benefits resulting from ESC systems on passenger cars, the agency finds that the absence of ESC on the LiFe does not unreasonably lower the safety level of that specific vehicle. We believe that the expected use patterns of the LiFe, including the relatively low number of miles driven by the average LiFe owner, support this finding. The Advocates contend that Wheego had ample opportunity to develop and equip their vehicles with ESC because the ESC requirement was mandated by a final rule issued in 2007. The Advocates further contend that, by submitting a petition for exemption just over two weeks before the deadline for ESC compliance, Wheego ignored development of a safety system. However, the timing of Wheego’s filing does not affect its entitlement to an exemption. The consequence of Wheego waiting until August 15, 2011 to file its petition for an exemption is that Wheego has been unable to manufacture the LiFe since September 1, 2011. The Advocates also claim that ESC technology is mature and inexpensive, citing the per-vehicle cost estimate of $111 for vehicles already equipped with ABS set forth in the 2007 final rule. In response, Wheego states that, as a small manufacturer, it must amortize the cost of developing ESC over fewer vehicles than larger manufacturers. Wheego estimated that the amortized per vehicle cost of ESC development would be over $1000 per vehicle. We agree with Wheego that the amortized cost of developing ESC systems is higher for very small manufacturers. Although the discussion of the cost of ESC development is not a statutory or regulatory factor for exemptions under 49 U.S.C. 30113(b)(3)(B)(iii), it is relevant in determining whether the failure to have ESC unreasonably lowers the safety level of the vehicle. The Advocates also argue that Wheego’s limited production of exempted vehicles does not justify an exemption. The Advocates argue that rarer vehicles are not safer just because they are rarer. While the agency cannot dispute the assertion that rarer vehicles are not safer because they are rarer, it does not follow that the agency should not consider the expected production volume in support of an exemption request. If Wheego intended to produce more vehicles under this exemption, the agency would be less likely to grant the petition. Moreover, it is not just the limited number of vehicles that would be produced under the exemption, but PO 00000 Frm 00118 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 47917 the limited number of miles the average LiFe is driven compared to other cars that Wheego cites in support of its petition. Based on the foregoing, we believe that any impact on safety from granting the petition would be negligible and that Wheego has satisfied the eligibility criteria for an exemption for the development or field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle. We also find that this exemption would be consistent with the public interest and the objectives of the Safety Act. NHTSA has traditionally found that the public interest is served by affording consumers a wider variety of motor vehicles, by encouraging the development of fuel-efficient and alternative-energy vehicles, and providing additional employment opportunities. We believe that all three of these public interest considerations would be served by granting Wheego’s petition. We note that the denial of this request would remove one of the few electric vehicles that is currently being sold in the U.S. market and that granting this petition would afford U.S. consumers the continued choice of this all-electric vehicle. As explained above, granting this petition will make the development of Wheego’s next model possible, while conversely denial of the petition could compromise Wheego’s ability to produce additional low emission vehicles. We believe that granting this petition will have a positive impact on U.S. employment in the automotive industry, and that denial of the petition could directly impact the jobs of current Wheego employees. Additionally, we believe that the requested exemption will have a limited impact on general motor vehicle safety because of the small number of vehicles that can be produced under this exemption. Finally, it is critical to the agency’s decision that Wheego is requesting a short exemption period and intends to sell only vehicles that comply with the ESC requirement after the exemption period. We note that prospective purchasers will be notified that the vehicle is exempted from the ESC requirements of Standard No. 126. Under § 555.9(b), a manufacturer of an exempted vehicle must affix securely to the windshield or side window of each exempted vehicle a label containing a statement that the vehicle conforms to all applicable FMVSSs in effect on the date of manufacture ‘‘except for Standard Nos. [listing the standards by number and title for which an exemption has been granted] exempted pursuant to NHTSA Exemption No. lll.’’ This label E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1 47918 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 155 / Friday, August 10, 2012 / Notices notifies prospective purchasers about the exemption and its subject. Under § 555.9(c), this information must also be included on the vehicle’s certification label.5 In consideration of the foregoing, we conclude that granting the requested exemption from FMVSS No. 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems, would facilitate the field evaluation or development of a low-emission vehicle, and would not unreasonably lower the safety or impact protection level of that vehicle. We further conclude that granting this exemption would be in the public interest and consistent with the objectives of the Safety Act. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 30113(b)(3)(B)(iii), Wheego is granted NHTSA Temporary Exemption No. EX 12–01 from FMVSS No. 126. The exemption is for a total of no more than 165 LiFe model vehicles and shall be effective from the date on which notice of this decision is published in the Federal Register until December 31, 2012, as indicated in the DATES section of this document. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30113; delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.50. and 501.8. Issued on: August 2, 2012. Ronald L. Medford, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–19720 Filed 8–9–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. AB 314 (Sub-No. 5X)] mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad Company—Abandonment Exemption— in Cook County, IL Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad Company (CCP) has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR part 1152 subpart F—Exempt Abandonments to abandon a 1.59-mile line of railroad between milepost 11.88 and milepost 13.47, in North Riverside, Cook County, Ill. The line traverses United States Postal Service Zip Codes 60546 and 60130. CCP has certified that: (1) No local traffic has moved over the line for the past two years; (2) there is no overhead traffic on the line to be rerouted over other lines; (3) no formal complaint filed by a user of rail service on the line (or by a state or local government entity acting on behalf of such user) regarding 5 Wheego’s label is required to list both its exemption from FMVSS No. 126 and its exemption from the advanced air bag requirements of FMVSS No. 208. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:02 Aug 09, 2012 Jkt 226001 cessation of service over the line either is pending with the Surface Transportation Board (Board) or with any U.S. District Court or has been decided in favor of complainant within the two-year period; and (4) the requirements at 49 CFR 1105.7(c) (environmental report), 49 CFR 1105.11 (transmittal letter), 49 CFR 1105.12 (newspaper publication), and 49 CFR 1152.50(d)(1) (notice to governmental agencies) have been met. As a condition to this exemption, any employee adversely affected by the abandonment shall be protected under Oregon Short Line Railroad— Abandonment Portion Goshen Branch Between Firth & Ammon, in Bingham & Bonneville Counties, Idaho, 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). To address whether this condition adequately protects affected employees, a petition for partial revocation under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) must be filed. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance (OFA) has been received, this exemption will be effective on September 11, 2012, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Petitions to stay that do not involve environmental issues,1 formal expressions of intent to file an OFA under 49 CFR 1152.27(c)(2),2 and trail use/rail banking requests under 49 CFR 1152.29 must be filed by August 20, 2012. Petitions to reopen or requests for public use conditions under 49 CFR 1152.28 3 must be filed by August 30, 2012, with the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423– 0001. A copy of any petition filed with the Board should be sent to CCP’s representative: Thomas J. Healey, 17641 S. Ashland Avenue, Homewood, IL 60430–1345. If the verified notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption is void ab initio. CCP has filed a combined environmental and historic report that 1 The Board will grant a stay if an informed decision on environmental issues (whether raised by a party or by the Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) in its independent investigation) cannot be made before the exemption’s effective date. See Exemption of Out-of-Serv. Rail Lines, 5 I.C.C.2d 377 (1989). Any request for a stay should be filed as soon as possible so that the Board may take appropriate action before the exemption’s effective date. 2 Each OFA must be accompanied by the filing fee, which is currently set at $1,500. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25). 3 CCP states that it is not the owner of the underlying right-of-way (ROW) and it believes that the ROW would not be of interest to the state or any other entity as a highway or mass transportation line or other similar public use because the ROW is located in a highly developed urban area with a mature roadway system. PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 addresses the effects, if any, of the abandonment on the environment and historic resources. OEA will issue an environmental assessment (EA) by August 17, 2012. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the EA by writing to OEA (Room 1100, Surface Transportation Board, Washington, DC 20423–0001) or by calling OEA at (202) 245–0305. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service at 1– 800–877–8339. Comments on environmental and historic preservation matters must be filed within 15 days after the EA becomes available to the public. Environmental, historic preservation, public use, or trail use/rail banking conditions will be imposed, where appropriate, in a subsequent decision. Pursuant to the provisions of 49 CFR 1152.29(e)(2), CCP shall file a notice of consummation with the Board to signify that it has exercised the authority granted and fully abandoned the line. If consummation has not been effected by CCP’s filing of a notice of consummation by August 10, 2013, and there are no legal or regulatory barriers to consummation, the authority to abandon will automatically expire. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at ‘‘WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.’’ Decided: August 7, 2012. By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings. Derrick A. Gardner, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2012–19642 Filed 8–9–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board Information Collection Activities (Released Rates) AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. Notice and Request for Comments. ACTION: As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501– 3519 (PRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) gives notice of its intent to seek from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the information collections (here third-party disclosures) required under the Board’s decision in Released Rates of Motor Common Carriers of Household Goods, Docket No. RR 999 (Amendment No. 5) (served Jan. 21, 2011 (2011 Decision) and Jan.10, 2012 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 155 (Friday, August 10, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47915-47918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19720]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA-2012-0013]


Wheego Electric Cars, Inc.; Grant of Petition for Temporary 
Exemption From the Electronic Stability Control Requirements of FMVSS 
No. 126

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of grant of a petition for temporary exemption from 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 126, Electronic 
Stability Control Systems.

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SUMMARY: This notice grants the petition of Wheego Electric Cars, Inc. 
(Wheego) for the temporary exemption of its LiFe model from the 
electronic stability control requirements of FMVSS No. 126. The agency 
has considered Wheego's petition for exemption and has determined that 
the exemption would facilitate the development or field evaluation of a 
low-emission motor vehicle and would not unreasonably reduce the safety 
level of that vehicle.

DATES: This exemption is effective immediately and remains in effect 
until December 31, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Jasinski, Office of the Chief 
Counsel, NCC-112, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building 4th Floor, Room W41-326, 
Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-2992; Fax: (202) 366-3820.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Statutory Basis for Temporary Exemptions

    The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act), 
codified as 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, authorizes the Secretary of 
Transportation to exempt, on a temporary basis and under specified 
circumstances, motor vehicles from a motor vehicle safety standard or 
bumper standard. This authority is set forth at 49 U.S.C. 30113. The 
Secretary has delegated the authority in this section to NHTSA.
    NHTSA established 49 CFR Part 555, Temporary Exemption From Motor 
Vehicle Safety and Bumper Standards, to implement the statutory 
provisions concerning temporary exemptions. A vehicle manufacturer 
wishing to obtain an exemption from a standard must demonstrate in its 
application (A) that an exemption would be in the public interest and 
consistent with the Safety Act and (B) that the manufacturer satisfies 
one of the following four bases for an exemption: (i) Compliance with 
the standard would cause substantial economic hardship to a 
manufacturer that has tried to comply with the standard in good faith; 
(ii) the exemption would make easier the development or field 
evaluation of a new motor vehicle safety feature providing a safety 
level at least equal to the safety level of the standard; (iii) the 
exemption would make the development or field evaluation of a low-
emission motor vehicle easier and would not unreasonably lower the 
safety level of that vehicle; or (iv) compliance with the standard 
would prevent the manufacturer from selling a motor vehicle with an 
overall safety level at least equal to the overall safety level of 
nonexempt vehicles.
    For an exemption petition to be granted on the basis that the 
exemption would make the development or field evaluation of a low-
emission motor vehicle easier and would not unreasonably lower the 
safety level of the vehicle, the petition must include specified 
information set forth at 49 CFR 555.6(c). The main requirements of that 
section include: (1) Substantiation that the vehicle is a low-emission 
vehicle; (2) documentation establishing that a temporary exemption 
would not unreasonably degrade the safety of a vehicle; (3) 
substantiation that a temporary exemption would facilitate the 
development or field evaluation of the vehicle; (4) a statement of 
whether the petitioner intends to conform to the standard at the end of 
the exemption period; and (5) a statement that not more than 2,500 
exempted vehicles will be sold in the United States in any 12-month 
period for which an exemption may be granted.

II. Electronic Stability Control Systems Requirement

    In April 2007, NHTSA published a final rule requiring that vehicles 
with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kilograms (kg) (10,000 
pounds) or less be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) 
systems. ESC systems use automatic computer-controlled braking of 
individual wheels to assist the driver in maintaining control in 
critical driving

[[Page 47916]]

situations in which the vehicle is beginning to lose directional 
stability at the rear wheels (spin out) or directional control at the 
front wheels (plow out). An anti-lock brake system (ABS) is a 
prerequisite for an ESC system because ESC uses many of the same 
components as ABS. Thus, the cost of complying with FMVSS No. 126 is 
less for vehicle models already equipped with ABS.
    Preventing single-vehicle loss-of-control crashes is the most 
effective way to reduce deaths resulting from rollover crashes. This is 
because most loss-of-control crashes culminate in the vehicle leaving 
the roadway, which dramatically increases the probability of a 
rollover. NHTSA's crash data study of existing vehicles equipped with 
ESC demonstrated that these systems reduce fatal single-vehicle crashes 
of passenger cars by 55 percent and fatal single-vehicle crashes of 
light trucks and vans (LTVs) by 50 percent.\1\ NHTSA estimates that ESC 
has the potential to prevent 56 percent of the fatal passenger car 
rollovers and 74 percent of the fatal LTV first-event rollovers that 
would otherwise occur in single-vehicle crashes.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Sivinski, R., Crash Prevention Effectiveness of Light-
Vehicle Electronic Stability Control: An Update of the 2007 NHTSA 
Evaluation; DOT HS 811 486 (June 2011).
    \2\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ESC requirement became effective for substantially all vehicles 
on September 1, 2011.

III. Overview of Petition

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 30113 and the procedures in 49 CFR 
part 555, Wheego Electric Cars, Inc. (Wheego) submitted a petition 
dated August 15, 2011 asking the agency for a temporary exemption from 
the electronic stability control requirements of FMVSS No. 126. The 
basis for the application is that the exemption would make the 
development or field evaluation of a low-emission vehicle easier and 
would not unreasonably lower the safety level of that vehicle. Wheego 
requested an exemption for the LiFe model for a period from September 
1, 2011 to August 1, 2012.
    Wheego is a Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Atlanta, 
Georgia. Wheego began manufacturing and selling low-speed electric 
vehicles in the U.S. in June 2009. In April 2011, Wheego began 
manufacturing and selling its first all-electric passenger car, the 
two-door, two-seat LiFe model. Wheego also states that it is developing 
a four-door passenger vehicle for sale in late 2012.
    In February 2011, Wheego was granted a temporary exemption from the 
advanced air bag requirements of FMVSS No. 208, Occupant Crash 
Protection, that is effective until February 11, 2013.\3\ Wheego states 
that it plans to meet all other current FMVSSs for a passenger car.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See 76 FR 7898 (Feb. 11, 2011); Docket No. NHTSA-2010-0118.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Wheego asserts that the company had intended to develop an ESC 
system for the LiFe. However, delays in funding and later developments 
have made it impossible for Wheego to develop an ESC system for the 
LiFe before September 2011. Wheego requested an exemption from the ESC 
requirements until August 1, 2012 for up to 1,000 vehicles so that it 
can continue its development and evaluation of a low-emission vehicle. 
Wheego stated that the company intends to comply with FMVSS No. 126 at 
the end of the exempted period.
    Wheego believes that a temporary exemption would not unreasonably 
degrade the safety or impact protection of the vehicle. Wheego states 
that the LiFe has an ABS system that prevents loss of control by 
preventing the wheels from locking up and the tires from skidding 
during braking. Wheego also asserts that its standard tires are wide 
with wide, circumferential grooves that provide rapid water evacuation 
to aid wet traction. Wheego also notes that the LiFe is limited to a 
top speed of 65 mph, which may contribute to a reduction of crashes 
associated with high speeds. Wheego also states that the LiFe has a low 
center of gravity with 762 pounds of batteries beneath the floorboard 
of the vehicle. Further, Wheego argues that the relatively limited 
range of the LiFe compared to gasoline-powered vehicles (100 miles 
before needing a charge) makes it less likely that a LiFe would be 
involved in a high-speed or rollover crash. Wheego also asserts that 
the relatively small number of vehicles that would be produced under 
the exemption suggests that the exemption would have a negligible 
effect on vehicle safety.
    Wheego asserts that an exemption would make the development or 
field evaluation of a low-emission vehicle easier. Wheego states that 
it would be able to use consumer feedback and other testing and 
evaluation to improve design and efficiency to improve charging, 
battery management, and safety systems in future vehicle models. Wheego 
states that, without the exemption, the company would not be able to 
produce enough cars or revenue to sustain these developments or to 
launch a new vehicle model. Wheego also believes that its success can 
add to the overall development of low-emission vehicles as a whole by 
demonstrating the viability of electric cars to consumers and 
encouraging other manufacturers to build electric cars.
    Wheego also asserts that the granting of the exemption would be in 
the public interest. Wheego notes that NHTSA has traditionally found 
that the public interest is served by affording consumers a wider 
variety of motor vehicles, by encouraging the development of fuel-
efficient and alternative-energy vehicles, and by providing additional 
employment opportunities. Wheego believes that granting this petition 
serves each of those interests.
    In a supplement to its petition filed on June 11, 2012, Wheego 
reduced the number of exempted vehicles it intends to produce and the 
time period for the exemption. Wheego now intends to manufacture 165 
vehicles under this exemption by the end of 2012.

IV. Notice of Receipt

    On January 30, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 
4623) a notice of receipt of Wheego's petition for temporary exemption, 
and provided an opportunity for public comment. We received 12 
comments, including comments from the Advocates for Highway & Auto 
Safety (Advocates) and 11 private individuals. All of the commenters 
opposed granting Wheego's petition. Wheego responded to the commenters 
through its own submission and through a supplemental petition. Wheego 
also met with the agency informally to discuss its application pursuant 
to 49 CFR 555.7(f). A memorandum summarizing that meeting has been 
placed in the docket.

V. Agency Analysis, Response to Comment, and Decision

    In this section, we provide our analysis and decision regarding 
Wheego's temporary exemption request concerning the ESC requirements of 
FMVSS No. 126, including our response to the comments received.
    As discussed below, we are granting Wheego's petition for the LiFe 
to be exempted, for a period ending December 31, 2012, from the 
requirements of FMVSS No. 126. The agency's rationale for this decision 
is as follows:
    First, we conclude that Wheego has shown that an exemption from the 
ESC requirements would make the development or field evaluation of a 
low-emission motor vehicle easier. Specifically, we agree with Wheego 
that allowing continued production on a limited basis of additional 
LiFe models

[[Page 47917]]

now under an exemption will make it easier for Wheego to design and 
produce future low emission vehicle models without an exemption.
    Further, the production of additional LiFe models would allow 
consumers of all-electric vehicles an additional option during the 
exemption period. We agree with Wheego that continued production of its 
vehicle will help to demonstrate to the U.S. public the capabilities of 
electric vehicles. We also agree with Wheego that continued production 
of the LiFe for the limited period will allow it to develop fully 
FMVSS-compliant electric vehicles. For that reason we agree that denial 
of the petition could jeopardize Wheego's ability to produce other 
electric vehicles in the future. For these reasons, we agree with 
Wheego that granting this petition will encourage the development and 
sale of electric vehicles by Wheego and also by other manufacturers.
    Second, NHTSA concludes that the grant of this exemption would not 
unreasonably lower the safety or impact protection level of the 
vehicle. In particular, we have considered that Wheego produces a low-
center-of-gravity, two-seat vehicle. The low center of gravity provides 
some additional reduction of loss-of-control crashes relative to other 
passenger cars. The LiFe's limited speed capability is also a factor in 
favor of granting the exemption. Furthermore, because the LiFe has a 
limited range (100 miles) and would be used less during winter months 
(due to even more limited range caused by the effect of cold weather on 
the batteries), a LiFe is likely to be driven fewer miles compared to 
an average vehicle. We believe that this factor diminishes the 
likelihood that the failure to include an ESC system on the LiFe would 
unreasonably lower the safety level of the vehicle.
    Eight of the individual commenters opposing the grant of Wheego's 
petition stated that NHTSA should not grant any exemption from the ESC 
requirements, citing the safety benefits of ESC. Three additional 
commenters objected to the grant of any exemption at all. The Advocates 
argue that ESC is an important and proven safety improvement. In 
support of their argument, the Advocates cite agency and industry 
research, including the agency's most recent study of ESC system 
effectiveness.\4\ While the agency continues to believe that ESC has a 
substantial effect on the number of vehicle crashes, the relevant 
inquiry is not the effectiveness of ESC systems. Rather, the relevant 
inquiry is whether an exemption would unreasonably lower the safety 
level of the vehicle in question. Although the agency has found 
substantial benefits resulting from ESC systems on passenger cars, the 
agency finds that the absence of ESC on the LiFe does not unreasonably 
lower the safety level of that specific vehicle. We believe that the 
expected use patterns of the LiFe, including the relatively low number 
of miles driven by the average LiFe owner, support this finding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See supra, note 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Advocates contend that Wheego had ample opportunity to develop 
and equip their vehicles with ESC because the ESC requirement was 
mandated by a final rule issued in 2007. The Advocates further contend 
that, by submitting a petition for exemption just over two weeks before 
the deadline for ESC compliance, Wheego ignored development of a safety 
system. However, the timing of Wheego's filing does not affect its 
entitlement to an exemption. The consequence of Wheego waiting until 
August 15, 2011 to file its petition for an exemption is that Wheego 
has been unable to manufacture the LiFe since September 1, 2011.
    The Advocates also claim that ESC technology is mature and 
inexpensive, citing the per-vehicle cost estimate of $111 for vehicles 
already equipped with ABS set forth in the 2007 final rule. In 
response, Wheego states that, as a small manufacturer, it must amortize 
the cost of developing ESC over fewer vehicles than larger 
manufacturers. Wheego estimated that the amortized per vehicle cost of 
ESC development would be over $1000 per vehicle. We agree with Wheego 
that the amortized cost of developing ESC systems is higher for very 
small manufacturers. Although the discussion of the cost of ESC 
development is not a statutory or regulatory factor for exemptions 
under 49 U.S.C. 30113(b)(3)(B)(iii), it is relevant in determining 
whether the failure to have ESC unreasonably lowers the safety level of 
the vehicle.
    The Advocates also argue that Wheego's limited production of 
exempted vehicles does not justify an exemption. The Advocates argue 
that rarer vehicles are not safer just because they are rarer. While 
the agency cannot dispute the assertion that rarer vehicles are not 
safer because they are rarer, it does not follow that the agency should 
not consider the expected production volume in support of an exemption 
request. If Wheego intended to produce more vehicles under this 
exemption, the agency would be less likely to grant the petition. 
Moreover, it is not just the limited number of vehicles that would be 
produced under the exemption, but the limited number of miles the 
average LiFe is driven compared to other cars that Wheego cites in 
support of its petition.
    Based on the foregoing, we believe that any impact on safety from 
granting the petition would be negligible and that Wheego has satisfied 
the eligibility criteria for an exemption for the development or field 
evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle.
    We also find that this exemption would be consistent with the 
public interest and the objectives of the Safety Act. NHTSA has 
traditionally found that the public interest is served by affording 
consumers a wider variety of motor vehicles, by encouraging the 
development of fuel-efficient and alternative-energy vehicles, and 
providing additional employment opportunities. We believe that all 
three of these public interest considerations would be served by 
granting Wheego's petition.
    We note that the denial of this request would remove one of the few 
electric vehicles that is currently being sold in the U.S. market and 
that granting this petition would afford U.S. consumers the continued 
choice of this all-electric vehicle. As explained above, granting this 
petition will make the development of Wheego's next model possible, 
while conversely denial of the petition could compromise Wheego's 
ability to produce additional low emission vehicles. We believe that 
granting this petition will have a positive impact on U.S. employment 
in the automotive industry, and that denial of the petition could 
directly impact the jobs of current Wheego employees.
    Additionally, we believe that the requested exemption will have a 
limited impact on general motor vehicle safety because of the small 
number of vehicles that can be produced under this exemption. Finally, 
it is critical to the agency's decision that Wheego is requesting a 
short exemption period and intends to sell only vehicles that comply 
with the ESC requirement after the exemption period.
    We note that prospective purchasers will be notified that the 
vehicle is exempted from the ESC requirements of Standard No. 126. 
Under Sec.  555.9(b), a manufacturer of an exempted vehicle must affix 
securely to the windshield or side window of each exempted vehicle a 
label containing a statement that the vehicle conforms to all 
applicable FMVSSs in effect on the date of manufacture ``except for 
Standard Nos. [listing the standards by number and title for which an 
exemption has been granted] exempted pursuant to NHTSA Exemption No. --
----.'' This label

[[Page 47918]]

notifies prospective purchasers about the exemption and its subject. 
Under Sec.  555.9(c), this information must also be included on the 
vehicle's certification label.\5\
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    \5\ Wheego's label is required to list both its exemption from 
FMVSS No. 126 and its exemption from the advanced air bag 
requirements of FMVSS No. 208.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In consideration of the foregoing, we conclude that granting the 
requested exemption from FMVSS No. 126, Electronic Stability Control 
Systems, would facilitate the field evaluation or development of a low-
emission vehicle, and would not unreasonably lower the safety or impact 
protection level of that vehicle. We further conclude that granting 
this exemption would be in the public interest and consistent with the 
objectives of the Safety Act.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 30113(b)(3)(B)(iii), Wheego is granted 
NHTSA Temporary Exemption No. EX 12-01 from FMVSS No. 126. The 
exemption is for a total of no more than 165 LiFe model vehicles and 
shall be effective from the date on which notice of this decision is 
published in the Federal Register until December 31, 2012, as indicated 
in the DATES section of this document.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30113; delegations of authority at 49 CFR 
1.50. and 501.8.

    Issued on: August 2, 2012.
Ronald L. Medford,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-19720 Filed 8-9-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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