California has been a leading state in environmental policies, and its new significant move to prioritize electric vehicles (EVs) is their next step. The state’s new policy, set to take full effect in 2035, aims to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition away from fossil fuels entirely. Here’s a layout of what this policy entails and its implications for the future.
California’s new EV policy, in broad terms, means 100% of new passenger vehicles sold in the state must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). This target was established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) under California Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order issued in 2020. The policy applies to all vehicle manufacturers selling in California, some aspects implemented will be the following:
- Phased Adoption: By 2026, California hopes that 35% of new vehicles sold must be ZEVs, then 68% by 2030, and eventually 100% by 2035.
- Incentives for Consumers: State rebates and federal tax credits will be available to make EVs more affordable, making them more accessible to a wider audience–helping California reach its goal sooner.
- Infrastructure Expansion: The state is investing heavily in charging areas, aiming to develop 250,000 public and shared charging stations by 2025. These efforts will replace many existing gas stations to reduce fossil fuel use.
California’s EV policy is more than just a policy–it sets a precedent for national and global action to be initiated. Here’s why it’s significant:
- Combatting Climate Change: Transportation accounts for nearly 40% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions–transitioning to EVs will significantly reduce this figure, helping the state meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.
- Public Health Benefits: The goal is to reduce air pollution (especially in areas of high concentration like Los Angeles and San Fransico) and the policy aims to lower rates of respiratory diseases and other health issues caused by emissions.
Despite its promise, the policy faces several drawbacks:
- Equity Concerns: Ensuring low-income communities have access to affordable EVs and charging infrastructure is critical because all new vehicles sold will be EVs which tend to be on the more expensive side.
- Energy Demand: The shift to EVs will increase electricity consumption, necessitating upgrades to the grid and a potential shift toward renewable energy sources. Without the change in energy production it could result in a potential full circle moment where fossil fuels are used to generate electricity, resulting in no progress being made at all.
- Resistance from Industry: Some automakers and stakeholders have expressed concerns about the practicality of meeting the targets, particularly regarding supply chain constraints. Industries have to dedicate more factories to entirely EV production lines, costing them lots of money and time.
