The California Air Resources Board put up new plans and has stated that all new cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs purchased in the state by 2035 must produce zero emissions. This mandate is causing some controversy as California’s new plans for cars irks Texas due to its reliance on fossil fuel industry.
To combat the effects of climate change, California plans to have all new cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs purchased in the state by 2035 must produce zero emissions.
Though pre-existing gas vehicles will not be banned, under the policy of the California Air Resources Board’s policy, automakers and car dealers will be allowed to only sell new EVs and certain plug-in hybrids.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse – and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels, threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.” The statement leads back to the regulations back in 2020.
With gradual advancement of Advanced Clean Cars II program there are certain rules too. Zero emission vehicles need to represent 35% of light trucks and new cars in the state by 2060. This percentage needs to be increased to 68% by 2030 and to 100% by 2035.
Texas is the leading national fossil fuel producer and is highly protective of the industry. Last year Texas passed a bill stating that all state agencies are prohibited from contracting with or investing in energy companies that boycott fossil fuel-based firms.
But with California’s new program, it is not all bad news for Texas because it is home to Tesla’s latest gigafactory in Austin which is operational since April 2022.
At the same time in other states, under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act, other states can follow federal emission standards. Or they can adopt more forceful guidelines outlined by California.
The rule to prohibit the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 is already enforced in Washington, Maryland, New Jersey, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts.
Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Delaware are following the Advanced Clean Cars II program. But it is still unclear if they will adhere to the complete prohibition of sale on gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
Though Colorado followed zero emission policies by California in the past, the idea of a ban was rejected by Governor Jared Polis.
President Joe Biden set a goal of making 50% of new vehicle sales to be electric in New York by 2030. He earmarked $5 billion to create nationwide infrastructure of charging stations and also revised the EV tax credit to boost domestic production.
But overall, he did not hint at any such idea to ban gas-powered cars. California’s new plans for cars irks Texas. But other states, including New York, are following the same rules.
Also Read: Nissan Plans to Increase EV Production to Meet US Tax Credit Rules
What is a Zero Emission Vehicle? Are they more costly than normal EVs?
ZEVs or zero emission vehicles are battery electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). With a continuous drop in electric batteries, there is a possibility of price reduction in electric vehicles too.
A recent Consumer Reports study concludes that with battery vehicles customers can save thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle in comparison to conventional cars. A sum of over $4,700 could be saved on fuel costs within 7 years.
You can benefit from various incentive programs and bring down the upfront cost of zero emission electric vehicles.
Clean fuel rewards, federal tax credit, and clean vehicle rebate projects are some of the most common ones, the list varies based on state and manufacturer. Clean vehicle assistance program and clean cars 4 are all incentive programs for income-eligible buyers.
Source: TheStreet
