California is leading the charge in the transition to zero-emission vehicles by outlawing the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. This move has spurred other states to follow suit, with 11 states already announcing plans to prohibit the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles after 2035. These states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland, have adopted California’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule, which requires that a certain percentage of new vehicles sold each year be zero-emission vehicles, leading up to a complete ban on gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
The ban on gas-powered vehicles only applies to new cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks sold in these states, leaving existing vehicles unaffected. States like Delaware, Maine, and Rhode Island have already finalized regulations to adopt California’s standards, while others are in the process of doing so. While proponents argue that the ban will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, critics are concerned about the affordability and accessibility of electric vehicles for the average consumer. Additionally, the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles needs to be expanded to accommodate the shift away from gas-powered cars.
Despite the push for zero-emission vehicles at the state level, there is no nationwide ban on gas-powered cars in the United States. President Joe Biden has set a goal for half of all new vehicle sales in the country to be electric by 2030, but there is no federal mandate to phase out ICE vehicles entirely. Instead, the focus is on incentivizing the production and adoption of electric vehicles through infrastructure investments and revised tax credits. Automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen have announced plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles in favor of electric models by 2035 or earlier.
While the transition to electric vehicles is seen as a necessary step to combat climate change, there are challenges that need to be addressed. The affordability of electric vehicles, the availability of charging infrastructure, and the impact on the automotive industry are all factors that need to be considered. As the ban on gas-powered vehicles takes effect in more states, it will be important to monitor the progress and address any issues that arise. Despite the obstacles, the shift towards zero-emission vehicles is seen as a crucial step in reducing emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
