Interpretation ID: aiam4081
Junge Baking Company
3102 Ohio Place
Joplin
MO 64801;
Dear Mr. Stanley: This responds to your letter dated November 8, 1985, inquiring whethe Federal motor vehicle safety standards and regulation (sic) apply to electric vehicles. They do so apply.; This agency administers the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safet Act of 1966, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 1391, *et seq*. (the Act). Under the Act, NHTSA issues Federal motor vehicle safety standards and regulations for motor vehicles and their equipment. Under section 102(3) of the Act, a motor vehicle means 'any vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power manufactured primarily for use on the public streets, roads, and highways, except any vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails.' Therefore, since electric vehicles are 'drawn by mechanical power,' they must comply with Federal requirements.; Enclosed are an information sheet for new manufacturers, a form fo ordering copies of safety standards and regulations, and a copy of 49 Part 555. Under Part 555, manufacturers of motor vehicles may apply for a temporary exemption from these safety standards, for a period up to three years, if the exemption would facilitate the development or field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle and would not unreasonably degrade the safety of such vehicle. A copy of a report prepared by this agency, 'Applicability of Federal Motor Vehicle Standards to Electric and Hybrid Vehicles,' is also enclosed.; I hope this information is helpful to you. Sincerely, Erika Z. Jones, Chief Counsel