All New Passenger Vehicles Sold in California to be Zero Emissions by 2035
Earlier today, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approved the Advanced Clean Cars II proposal which requires all new passenger cars, trucks and SUVs sold in California to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035. The ruling, lauded by Governor Newsom’s Administration (Administration) for its “world-leading,” establishes a roadmap to ramp up ZEV sales year over year, culminating in 100% ZEV sales in 2035, and codifies the light-duty vehicle goals set out in Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20.
Specifically, the regulation accelerates requirements that automakers deliver an increasing number of zero-emission light-duty vehicles each year beginning in model year 2026. Sales of new ZEVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) will start with 35% that year, build to 68% in 2030, and reach 100% in 2035.
According to CARB’s FAQ:
“You will be able to purchase the same body styles of vehicles offered today, but they will be electrified. Pick-up trucks, crossovers and SUVs are all available as well as all other vehicle classes. There are currently over 70 different makes and models of battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric cars available with that number expected to grow to nearly 200 in the next few years.”
This summer, the Administration and the Legislature allocated $2.7 billion in fiscal year 2022-23, and $3.9 billion over three years, for investment in ZEV adoption, as well as clean mobility options for California’s “most environmentally and economically burdened communities.” These programs include:
- Clean Cars 4 All provides up to $9,500 to low-income drivers who scrap their older vehicles and want to purchase something that runs cleaner.
- The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) provides up to $7,000 for income-qualified drivers to buy or lease a ZEV.
- The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provides low-income car buyers with special financing and up to $5,000 in down-payment assistance.