California to phase out new gasoline-powered cars by 2035

The US' most populated state plans to require all new vehicles to run on electricity or hydrogen by under a freshly-approved policy.

File photo: An electric vehicle prototype by Sony

17 states agreed to follow California's move

Marking a historic step in the state's battle against climate change, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will ban the sale of cars powered by gasoline. This move by the board will most likely affect the automotive market in the United States.

Two years ago, Governor Gavin Newsom first revealed the plan to phase out vehicles that run only on gasoline. The California Air Resources Board had gathered enough votes to approve the new regulations. CARB chair Liane Randolph added,

This is a historic moment for California, for our partner states, and for the world as we set forth a path toward a zero-emission future.

The set of regulations also includes more zero-emission vehicle rules starting in 2026, with the approval of the Biden administration. By 2037, California officials are targeting to cut the smog-causing pollution from light-duty vehicles by 25 percent. 

They will allegedly order that 35 percent of the new cars sold be plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), EVs or hydrogen fuel cells by 2026. According to the source, this proportion will increase to 68 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035.

CARB's new regulation would permit automakers to sell up to 20 percent of EVs by 2035. Reportedly, Toyota agreed to recognize these vehicle rules as it was investing more in plug-ins.

In addition to this, EV maker Tesla asserted that CARB must mandate 100 percent zero-emission vehicles by 2030. It also proposed changes regarding battery and charging cord requirements.

Tesla Senior Counsel Joseph Mendelson said that the CARB proposal "is both achievable and paves the way for California to lead in electrifying the light duty sector."

Meanwhile, there are 17 states that have consented to adopt California's earlier zero-emission requirements, and 15 supported its zero-emission vehicle requirements. On the contrary, 17  states have questioned the EPA's decision to restore California's authority to set emissions rules that were voided under former president Donald Trump.

What do you think?

Source: Reuters