25 Aug 22
News

California approves ban on gasoline-powered vehicle sales

California approves ban on gasoline-powered vehicle sales

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted Thursday (25 Aug) to require all new cars and light trucks sold by 2035 to be zero-emission vehicles.

To curb motor vehicle pollution, the mandate requires automakers to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles – including cars, SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, and LCVs – in favor of those that are BEV, hybrid, and fuel cell powered. Non-complying automakers could be charged $20,000 per vehicle, CARB said.

Under the new rules, 35% of new car sales from automakers must be zero emission by 2026, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. Up to 20%, however, can be plug-in hybrids up until 2035, as they still qualify as zero-emission if they have a minimum battery range of 50 miles or more.

The sale of new heavy trucks that burn diesel fuel will have 10 extra years, being 100% banned in 2045.

Currently, 16% of the new cars sold in California are BEVs, hybrids, or fuel cell. The 1.13 million zero-emission vehicles registrations in the state today equates to 43% of the national total, according to CARB. 

Authored by: Daniel Bland