Now that it’s regained the ability to set its own emissions rules again, California’s not waiting to put it to use, proposing 68% of all new vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles by 2030. The move allows for the sale of plug-in hybrids.
The proposal put forth by the California Air Resources Board pushes the mandate further, demanding 100% by 2035. The state’s been aggressive in its attempts to expand the influence of electric vehicles, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing an executive order last year pushing for EVs to make up half of new vehicle sales in the state by 2030.
Now that the state has been re-issued its waiver under the Clean Air Act from the Biden administration, it’s looking to implement plans and mandates aimed at helping reduce air pollution.
The new plan requires zero-emission vehicles and plug-in hybrids to make up 35% of new vehicles sales by 2026, 68% by 2030 and then 100% by 2035.
Can it happen?
Well, just as in other parts off the country, EV sales have been on the rise in California. In fact, 12.4% of the state’s new vehicle sales last year were battery-electric models, which accounts for more than 250,000 vehicles. The state sold more than 1 million plug-in models overall in 2021.
The Tesla Model 3 was the most popular EV sold in California last year, with state residents purchasing 67,262 of the all-electric sedans, Tesla’s Model Y SUV was a close second, with sales of 61,022. All told, Tesla ended the year with a 10.5% market share in what has become the state with the largest demand for EVs.
Chevrolet managed to land in third with the Bolt, though it sold only 12,313 of the electric hatchbacks. Bolt sales were effectively suspended late in the year while Chevy moved to address a battery fire problem.
Big plans means big costs
The regulations are proposed to cost automakers $30.2 billion between 2026 and 2040, or $2 billion on average per year, according to CARB’s analysis. The group did offer the initial savings are “nearly immediate” and cumulative savings during 10 years exceed $7,500 for the 2035 model year.
While it’s a big expenditure for automakers, the results for people is impressive, according to CARB.
Between 2026 and 2040, the shift would result in 1,272 fewer cardiopulmonary deaths, 208 fewer hospital admissions for cardiovascular illness, 249 fewer hospital admissions for respiratory illness and 639 fewer emergency room visits for asthma across the state, reports Automotive News.