Over a Dozen States Plan to Stop Selling Gas-Powered Cars
In recent years, the automotive industry has been undergoing a transformation, with electric vehicles (EVs) gaining traction in the market. However, this shift is about to accelerate dramatically as several states in the U.S. are moving towards banning the sale of new gas-powered cars.
This change in the automotive landscape is set to reshape how we think about our cars and could have far-reaching implications for consumers, manufacturers, and the environment.
The California-Led Initiative
At the forefront of this movement is California, which has introduced the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) rule. This regulation mandates that automakers and dealers sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles each year between 2026 and 2035.
The rule sets a clear trajectory:
- In 2026, 35% of new vehicles on car lots within an ACCII state must be emission-free.
- This percentage will gradually increase year after year.
- By 2035, 100% of new vehicle sales must be zero-emission, effectively banning purely gas-powered vehicles.
California's definition of zero-emission vehicles is not limited to battery-electric vehicles. It also includes hydrogen fuel cell electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
States Following California's Lead
California's initiative has not gone unnoticed. To date, eight states and Washington, D.C., have adopted ACCII for light passenger vehicles.
These states are:
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Virginia
Additionally, Connecticut and Maine are considering similar measures but have not yet formally adopted them.
While some states have fully embraced the ACCII standards, others have taken a more measured approach. Colorado, New Mexico, Delaware, and Minnesota have partially adopted a significant portion of the standards.
Understanding the Scope of the Ban
It's important to understand what these regulations mean for consumers. The ACCII regulations will only prohibit the sale of new internal-combustion passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks) starting in 2035.
This means:
- Existing gas-powered vehicles can still be owned and driven.
- Used gas-powered vehicles can still be bought and sold within the state.
- Residents can still purchase new gas cars from states without the ban and register them in their home state.
Automaker Response
The impending bans have not gone unnoticed by automakers. Many major car manufacturers have already announced plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles, aligning with or even predating the 2035 deadline set by California and other states.
Some commitments include:
- General Motors: Plans to stop making gas cars by 2035.
- Cadillac and Buick: Aiming for a fully electric lineup by 2030.
- Ford: Targeting 50% of car sales to be EVs by 2030.
- Volvo and Mercedes-Benz: Pledging to sell only electric vehicles by 2030.
- Honda and Volkswagen: Committing to electric-only sales by 2040.
Global Context
The movement towards banning gas-powered cars is not limited to the United States. Several nations with large economies have announced similar plans.
- European Union: Planning to ban gas car sales by 2035.
- Japan: Aiming for a mid-2030s ban.
- South Korea: Targeting 2035 for a complete transition to zero-emission vehicles.
States Without Current Ban Plans
While the movement towards banning gas-powered cars is gaining momentum, it's important to note that most states in the U.S. do not currently have plans to discontinue the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the near future.
However, this situation could change, particularly among states that tend to follow California's stricter vehicle emission standards.
Currently, 17 states have emission standards tied to California's. These include:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Of these, only eight have formally adopted a standard identical to California's ACCII regulations.
Federal Regulations and Policy Shift
For states that do not follow California's standards, federal regulations will apply. While there is currently no federal plan to ban gas vehicles, there is a noticeable shift in federal policy towards reducing vehicle emissions.
In March 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized measures that require automakers to gradually reduce the emissions associated with the vehicles they sell. These new rules apply to model years 2027 through 2032 and, while they don't mandate a specific percentage of zero-emission vehicle sales, they are expected to have a significant impact.
The Biden administration estimates that the new emission standards could be met if EVs make up 56% of new car sales by 2032.
An additional 13% of sales are expected to be composed of plug-in hybrids or other partially electric cars.
Implications for Consumers and the Industry
The impending ban on gas-powered cars will have far-reaching implications for both consumers and the automotive industry.
As the ban approaches, consumers may find fewer options for new gas-powered vehicles. Some manufacturers, like Stellantis (the company behind Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, and Jeep), have already warned that they will ship fewer gas cars to states following California's emissions standards.
The shift towards electric vehicles will necessitate a massive expansion of charging infrastructure. This could lead to increased investment in public charging stations and home charging solutions.
As demand for electric vehicles grows, we can expect to see significant advancements in battery technology, potentially addressing current concerns about range and charging times.
The transition could lead to job losses in traditional automotive manufacturing but may also create new opportunities in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.
The move towards zero-emission vehicles is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, contributing to efforts to combat climate change.