The state would be the first in the U.S. to phase out sales of conventional-powered passenger vehicles
By NACS Online // September 24, 2020
SACRAMENTO—California Gov. Gavin Newsom yesterday signed an order to end by 2035 sales of new cars and trucks powered by gasoline or diesel as part of the state’s efforts to promote electric or zero-emission vehicles, CNBC reports. Newsom also directed state agencies to speed up development of EV charging stations.
Californians still would be allowed to own vehicles with internal combustion engines and resell them.
Newsom also directed the California Air Resources Board to develop regulations requiring all medium and heavy-duty trucks to be 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2045 “where feasible,” according to CNBC.
Gov. Newsom said the move will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% in the state. Electric vehicles make up less than 10% of new vehicle sales in California. The state already requires a certain percentage of new vehicles sold to be EVs.
About a dozen states follow California’s lead on auto emissions standards that are tougher than federal rules, the Associated Press reports.
At least 15 other countries have similar mandates, including Germany, France and Norway, but California is the first U.S. states to announce plans to phase out sales of conventional vehicles.
