California Issues Electrification Plan

California has announced its strategy for phasing out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, per a federal goal, putting into action a 2020 executive order issued by Governor Newsom. Lisa Friedman reports on the proposal, which would take aggressive steps to increase EV and other zero-emissions vehicles.

“Under the proposed rule, issued by the California Air Resources Board, the state will require 35 percent of new passenger vehicles sold in the state by 2026 to be powered by batteries or hydrogen. Less than a decade later, the state expects 100 percent of all new car sales to be free of the fossil fuel emissions chiefly responsible for warming the planet.”

As the article states, “If the board finalizes the plan in August, it could set the bar for the nation’s automobile industry. California is the largest auto market in the United States and the 10th largest in the world.” With other states frequently taking California’s lead on emissions regulations, this could signal a major shift around the country.

Automakers have expressed support for electrification, but contend that a major shift requires investment from the federal government in infrastructure and policies that will help build a robust nationwide charging network and provide other incentives for car buyers.