New gas-powered vehicles will not be sold after the year 2035 arrives, according to the way the California ARB voted on the policy this past Thursday.
The idea is that cars need to go fully electric or hydro within that time, and this move isn’t just a first in the nation, but also worldwide.
“We can solve this climate crisis if we focus on the big, bold steps necessary to cut pollution,” said Governor Gavin Newsom Thursday. “California now has a groundbreaking, world-leading plan to achieve 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.”
Newsom had ordered the ban in September of 2020, at the time citing transportation as the cause of half of greenhouse emissions occurring in the state—80% comes from smog-forming pollution while 95% comes from diesel. When he made the announcement, Newsom also secured commitments to raise production of zero-emission cars and vehicles from GM, Honda, Ford, Volvo, and BMW.
“Ford is proud to be the only American automaker to stand with California for reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” said COO Jim Farley after joining the goal in 2020. “We want to leave a better world to the next generation.”
On Thursday, Newsom stated that it’s expected zero-emission vehicles will stack up to 35% of car sales come 2026, 68% by 2030, and completely by 2035. “That’s 915 million oil barrels’ worth of emissions that won’t pollute our communities,” he said. “California will continue to lead the revolution towards our zero-emission transportation future.”
Newsom also said the state would work to make the new type of cars more affordable by the time the deadline arrives.
There are currently 80,000 charging stations for EVs in the state, and there’s a 2025 goal for 250,000 to be made available for drivers.
The ban only applies to new cars, which means use of gas-powered cars will not be affected by the new policy. However, it’s unclear right now what it will mean for companies selling gas fuel, or for taxes on gas-run vehicles, or even any other incentives to move to zero-emission vehicles.