EPA Requirements for Conversions
Source: Dept. of Energy - Alternative Fuels Data Center
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/conversions.html
Certificates of Conformity
EPA issues Certificates of Conformity that cover a "test group"—specific vehicle or engine models for certain model years that are modified to operate on an alternative fuel. Data for a test group retrofitted with a conversion companies' alternative fuel system must be submitted to EPA for certification. Once the Certificate of Conformity is issued, vehicles in the test group may be converted by that conversion company to use that alternative fuel system.
Certificates of Conformity for "aftermarket" converters are signed by EPA and certify that the appropriate sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Parts 85 through 88) have been met. Certificates indicate:
•The original test group of vehicles as determined and provided by the OEM.
•The evaporative emissions family.
•The state(s) in which the test group is certified (e.g. California vs. 50 state sales areas).
•The "car line" (e.g., F-150, two-wheel drive, extended cab, 5.4-liter engine).
•The model year of the vehicles included in the test group.
•The emissions standards that are met.
An aftermarket conversion may only be performed on a vehicle if a Certificate of Conformity or CARB certification has been issued for that vehicle's test group.
For information on CARB procedures, visit the Certification of Alternative Fuel Retrofit Systems section of the CARB Web site.
Vehicle Converters
The EPA refers to a vehicle converter as a "small volume manufacturer." The vehicle converter holds the Certificate of Conformity. An individual or entity wishing to convert a vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel must go through a company or organization associated with a certificate holder, and the work must be performed by a licensed technician associated with that company.
It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to ensure the equipment is properly installed and that it is safe, durable, and meets the emission standards of the original model year of the vehicle.
To qualify to perform aftermarket AFV conversions, potential certificate holders must complete an application and submit emissions test data to EPA for a test group of vehicles equipped with the retrofit system. Each year, certificate holders must file a new application to renew their certificates for test groups; they do not need to submit new test data in order to renew. For example, for the conversion of a model year (MY) 2003 vehicle, EPA can issue a MY 2007 certificate (enabling the certificate holder to convert that MY 2003 vehicle test group through the end of the 2007 calendar year).
The certificate holder could later apply for a MY 2008 certificate when EPA begins issuing them (enabling the certificate holder to convert that MY 2003 vehicle test group through the end of the 2008 calendar year). The certificates are valid through December 31 of each certification year. A manufacturer can reapply to convert prior year vehicles in subsequent years without conducting new emissions testing, as long as the conversion equipment and technologies are equivalent to what was first submitted.
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/conversions.html
Certificates of Conformity
EPA issues Certificates of Conformity that cover a "test group"—specific vehicle or engine models for certain model years that are modified to operate on an alternative fuel. Data for a test group retrofitted with a conversion companies' alternative fuel system must be submitted to EPA for certification. Once the Certificate of Conformity is issued, vehicles in the test group may be converted by that conversion company to use that alternative fuel system.
Certificates of Conformity for "aftermarket" converters are signed by EPA and certify that the appropriate sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Parts 85 through 88) have been met. Certificates indicate:
•The original test group of vehicles as determined and provided by the OEM.
•The evaporative emissions family.
•The state(s) in which the test group is certified (e.g. California vs. 50 state sales areas).
•The "car line" (e.g., F-150, two-wheel drive, extended cab, 5.4-liter engine).
•The model year of the vehicles included in the test group.
•The emissions standards that are met.
An aftermarket conversion may only be performed on a vehicle if a Certificate of Conformity or CARB certification has been issued for that vehicle's test group.
For information on CARB procedures, visit the Certification of Alternative Fuel Retrofit Systems section of the CARB Web site.
Vehicle Converters
The EPA refers to a vehicle converter as a "small volume manufacturer." The vehicle converter holds the Certificate of Conformity. An individual or entity wishing to convert a vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel must go through a company or organization associated with a certificate holder, and the work must be performed by a licensed technician associated with that company.
It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to ensure the equipment is properly installed and that it is safe, durable, and meets the emission standards of the original model year of the vehicle.
To qualify to perform aftermarket AFV conversions, potential certificate holders must complete an application and submit emissions test data to EPA for a test group of vehicles equipped with the retrofit system. Each year, certificate holders must file a new application to renew their certificates for test groups; they do not need to submit new test data in order to renew. For example, for the conversion of a model year (MY) 2003 vehicle, EPA can issue a MY 2007 certificate (enabling the certificate holder to convert that MY 2003 vehicle test group through the end of the 2007 calendar year).
The certificate holder could later apply for a MY 2008 certificate when EPA begins issuing them (enabling the certificate holder to convert that MY 2003 vehicle test group through the end of the 2008 calendar year). The certificates are valid through December 31 of each certification year. A manufacturer can reapply to convert prior year vehicles in subsequent years without conducting new emissions testing, as long as the conversion equipment and technologies are equivalent to what was first submitted.
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