Automakers cautious about potential adoption of California’s 2035 EV mandate by other states

Major automakers have raised concerns regarding California’s plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, stating that the feasibility of this proposal in other states may be questionable due to insufficient consumer demand. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing major automakers with the exception of Tesla, expressed these concerns in comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to California’s proposal.

While California’s Electric Vehicle (EV) requirements may be achievable in the state itself, the industry group noted that other states with lower current EV sales may struggle to meet the targets. The adoption of zero-emission vehicle technologies and customer acceptance are key factors that could impact the success of the plan.

California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) defended the proposal by emphasizing the public health benefits and global impact of transitioning to clean cars. The need for a significant increase in sales of electric, plug-in electric hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles was highlighted to meet the 2035 goal in states following California’s rules.

Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute urged the EPA to reject California’s plan, calling it “the ultimate regulatory intervention.” President Joe Biden’s administration has not set a specific date to phase out gasoline-only vehicles, but the EPA has proposed rules to cut vehicle emissions through 2032, aiming for a higher percentage of EVs in new car production.

California’s rules, starting in 2026, aim to reduce smog-causing pollution from light-duty vehicles by 25% by 2037. The mandate requires a specific percentage of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles to be sold each year, with the ultimate goal of having 100% of new cars sold be electric by 2035, while allowing for some plug-in hybrid sales.

It is crucial for automakers to adapt to these changing regulations and market trends to align with the goals of reducing emissions and transitioning towards cleaner transportation options. The automotive industry continues to face challenges and opportunities as it navigates the shift towards more sustainable mobility solutions.