California aims to increase zero-emission vehicle sales to 35% of all new vehicle purchases by the 2026 model year, on the path to ending gasoline-only vehicle sales by the middle of the next decade.
This proposed target by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) includes battery-electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles under the zero-emissions banner. According to CARB, it will nearly triple California’s zero-emission vehicle sales from 2021, when they account for 12% of all new cars sold in California.
Responses from different environmental groups. In statements, the Environmental Defense Fund called the 2026 model year target a “major step forward” toward harsher emissions standards that eliminate exhaust emissions from new cars, but China The Center for Biodiversity calls it “weak”, arguing that California shouldn’t’ have to wait until 2035 to end sales of new non-electric cars.
Marengo Charging Plaza, Pasadena, California
The stronger sales requirement will ensure 68% of new cars and passenger vans sold in California are zero emissions by 2030 and will eliminate all exhaust pollution from new vehicles by 2035. Once again, 2035 target will allow hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles along with battery-powered vehicles.
However, the CARB rejected the proposal to enforce battery degradation standards. Proposed rules for 2021 would require electric vehicles to maintain 80% of their rated range for 15 years or 150,000 miles starting in the 2026 model year. It could benefit used electric vehicle buyers.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration of national fuel economy and emission standards just completed last month. These standards are a step steeper than the administration’s original proposal, which calls for a revised industry-wide fleet average of around 49 mpg in new passenger cars and light trucks by 2026. increasing fleet efficiency to 8% for model years 2024 and 2025, and then 10% for model years 2026.
