California Mandates Complete Shift to Zero-Emission Vehicles by 2035
California officially bans the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The landmark rule forces automakers to gradually increase zero-emission vehicle production starting in 2026.
California issues a historic ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The California Air Resources Board unanimously passes this groundbreaking rule, which forces automakers to significantly accelerate the production of cleaner vehicles. The transportation sector currently stands as the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The new mandate establishes strict interim targets, requiring 35% of new vehicle sales to be battery or hydrogen-powered by 2026 and 68% by 2030. Automakers still have the option to sell up to 20% plug-in hybrids by the final 2035 deadline. The rule does not affect the ability of residents to drive existing gas cars or buy and sell them on the used market.
This decision from the country's most populous state is expected to trigger a sweeping ripple effect across the nation. At least 15 states historically follow California's vehicle standards, meaning this policy likely paves the way for similar bans nationwide. State officials project that this transition leads to a 50% reduction in pollution from cars and light trucks by 2040.