California Wants to Ban the Sales New Gasoline-Powered Cars

Author: David Phineas

Policymakers in California have agreed on a plan to phase out new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. As the largest car market in the nation, the state may serve as a model for others to follow. 

According to the new policy, California intends to mandate all new cars, trucks, and SUVs to drive on electricity or hydrogen by 2035. 

The program aims to reduce carbon emissions and eventually phase out gasoline-powered cars significantly.

The California Air Resources Board decided two years after Governor Gavin Newsom first asked authorities to take this approach. If the plan is accomplished, California’s auto emissions will be slashed by 2040. 

It is anticipated that this move will encourage other states to follow California’s example. Moreover, automakers will produce zero-emission vehicles more quickly.

Although the policy is yet to be approved, it might be done sooner under Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration.

This is a Historic Moment for California

This is a historic turning point for California, partner states, and the entire world as we begin down this road to a future with no emissions. 

After 2035, Californians are permitted to continue driving and purchasing gas-powered cars under the legislation, but no new models would be offered for sale there. 

Most vehicles sold after 2035 should be hydrogen- or electricity-powered, with plug-in hybrids accounting for up to one-fifth of sales.

A plan to virtually ban the sale of gas and diesel vehicles in the 27-nation European Union by 2035 was supported by the European Parliament in June. Canada has required the sale of zero-emission vehicles by that year. 

According to California climate authorities, the state’s new policy represents the most aggressive in the world. It will establish the objectives for accelerating the sale of electric cars

By 2026, one-third of all cars purchased in the state should be zero-emission vehicles, which is the first legislated barrier. Automakers might be penalized $20,000 for each vehicle sold below that target. 

In the first three months of this year, around 16% of automobiles sold in California were electric. The demand for the power system will increase as more car chargers are added.

Access to more  Charging Stations

Congress approved an infrastructure measure last year that included $5 billion for the construction of charging points every (80 kilometers) along interstate routes in the states. 

On the other hand, Newsom has promised to spend billions to increase the sales of zero-emission vehicles. This will include installing chargers in rural and remote areas. 

According to the new regulations, the cars must be able to drive 150 miles (241 kilometers) on a single charge.

According to Mary Nichols, it takes careful planning to drive an electric vehicle for hours without a charge. She said that the funding from the state and federal governments would go a long way toward enhancing the infrastructure and making electric automobiles a more practical choice.

Final Remarks

The mandate for vehicle sales is just one part of a transformational process that will take place. Although hydrogen is a fuel choice under the new legislation, fuel-cell automobiles have recently accounted for fewer than 1% of vehicle sales. To help with the expense of electric vehicles, the state and federal governments offer rebates worth thousands of dollars. Additionally, the laws incentivize automakers to provide used electric cars to low- and middle-income persons.