Molly Ayala
Wyoming has not banned electric vehicles, but some of its politicians have proposed a bill to ban their sale after 2035. This bill is a political stunt to support the state's oil and gas industries, which are under threat from other states' bans on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles. Wyoming's vast stretches of highway and lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure are cited as reasons why electric vehicles are impracticable for the state. The bill also mentions that electric vehicles will hinder Wyoming's ability to trade with other states and will be detrimental to its economy. However, critics argue that the transition to electric vehicles is manageable and that there are benefits to EV adoption in Wyoming. As of now, electric vehicles are still available for purchase in Wyoming, but the proposed bill, if passed, could change that in the future.
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What You'll Learn
A proposed bill to ban electric vehicle sales by 2035
Wyoming has proposed a bill to ban the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state by 2035. The bill, known as SJ0004 or SJ 4, was introduced by four state senators and two state representatives and expresses support for "phasing out the sale of new electric vehicles in Wyoming by 2035." While this is just a proposed bill and would not be an actual ban on EV sales if adopted, it sends a strong message of support for the oil and gas industry, which its supporters argue is under attack from states that are moving towards banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.
The bill's sponsors, who are mostly Republican, appear to be using the bill to score political points, particularly by bringing California into the debate. California has announced its plan to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035, which has already started affecting the automotive industry and long-term planning. Wyoming's bill, on the other hand, is more of a political statement, asserting that its needs differ from other states and that a transition to EVs is not feasible for the state.
Supporters of the bill argue that Wyoming's vast stretches of highways and lack of adequate EV charging infrastructure make the widespread use of EVs impractical. They also claim that electric vehicles will hinder Wyoming's ability to trade with other states and negatively impact its economy. Additionally, they raise concerns about the hazardous waste risk posed by EV batteries, which are difficult to recycle and dispose of.
Opponents of the bill, including the Wyoming Dealers Association and the Wyoming Outdoor Council, argue that the resolution is ""extremely concerning" and goes against the interests of individual choice. They also point out that the transition to EVs can bring benefits to Wyoming, such as lower costs over the lifetime of the vehicle and the convenience of charging at home. Additionally, the bill would put dealers in conflict with their manufacturers' sales and service agreements, as many dealerships are already investing in EV infrastructure to meet manufacturer requirements.
While Wyoming's proposed bill to ban EV sales by 2035 has sparked debate and drawn attention to the state's stance on electrification, it remains to be seen whether the bill will be ratified by the state's Republican-controlled House and Senate.
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The bill is a political stunt
The bill proposed by Wyoming legislators to ban the sale of electric vehicles in the state by 2035 is largely seen as a political stunt. While the bill has not been passed into law, it is indicative of a broader political statement and posturing by its proponents. The bill is a response to California's ban on the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035, which has had nationwide repercussions for the automotive industry. Wyoming's bill is a direct challenge to California's legislation and an attempt to score political points by bringing California into the debate.
The bill's sponsors, who are mostly Republicans, argue that electric vehicles are not suitable for Wyoming's rural areas due to long distances, trailer usage, and cold winters, which drain EV batteries quickly. They also claim that the state lacks sufficient charging infrastructure, which creates challenges for EV owners. However, critics argue that the bill is a political messaging tactic designed to express support for the state's oil and gas industries, which they believe are under threat from the shift to electric vehicles.
The bill includes a line stating that if adopted, a copy will be sent to the Governor of California, further emphasizing the political nature of the proposal. Wyoming legislators are pushing back against the transition to electrification and attempting to make a statement about their support for traditional gas-powered vehicles. This stance is reflected in the bill's preamble, which outlines the benefits of gas-powered vehicles for Wyoming's industries and commerce.
The bill's focus on blaming California for the perceived threats to Wyoming's oil and gas industries and the attempt to bring California into the debate further support the argument that the bill is a political stunt. Wyoming's stance on electric vehicles is also influenced by the state's energy grid, which relies heavily on coal-fired power plants, producing about 73% of its electricity. This infrastructure is not optimized for clean EV charging, and the state has rejected federal funding for building electric chargers, prioritizing its oil and gas sector.
Overall, the bill to ban electric vehicle sales in Wyoming by 2035 is a political stunt, leveraging the state's unique circumstances and energy infrastructure to make a statement about its support for the oil and gas industry and its opposition to the shift towards electrification.
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The bill is a statement to support Wyoming's oil and gas industries
Wyoming has considered banning the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state, with a proposed bill suggesting that the sale of new electric vehicles should be phased out by 2035. This bill is a statement of support for Wyoming's oil and gas industries, which some believe are under threat from the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the actions of other states.
The bill, SJ0004, was introduced by four state senators and two state representatives and is a clear message to support the continued use of gas-powered vehicles in Wyoming. The bill's sponsors argue that the state's oil and gas industries are vital not only to Wyoming but to the entire Western region of the United States. They believe that a shift towards electric vehicles will negatively impact Wyoming's economy and its ability to trade with other states. This is particularly targeted at California's ban on gasoline-powered cars by 2035, which has wider implications for the automotive industry and other states.
The bill highlights the lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Wyoming, stating that the state's vast stretches of highway make electric vehicles impractical for its citizens. It also mentions the hazardous waste risk posed by electric vehicle batteries, which are difficult to recycle and dispose of. This bill is a strong statement against the move towards electrification and clean energy, with Wyoming arguing that its needs differ from those of other states. The state has also rejected federal funding for building electric chargers, further emphasising its support for the oil and gas industries.
The bill's supporters believe that electric vehicles are not a feasible option for Wyoming residents due to the state's rural nature and cold winters, which can quickly drain an electric vehicle's battery. They also argue that the transition to electric vehicles will hinder Wyoming's ability to engage in commerce and transport goods efficiently. However, opponents of the bill, such as the Wyoming Outdoor Council, argue that the challenges of transitioning to electric vehicles are manageable and that there are benefits to EV adoption, including lower costs and improved performance.
Overall, the bill is a clear statement of support for Wyoming's oil and gas industries, with the sponsors believing that electric vehicles are not a suitable alternative for the state. It remains to be seen whether the bill will be voted on and ratified, but it has sparked a debate about the future of transportation and energy in Wyoming and beyond.
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There is a lack of EV charging infrastructure in Wyoming
Wyoming has been allocated $26.8 million over five years (2022-2026) to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The funding comes from the Federal Government's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, which aims to improve access to charging stations for EV drivers. Despite this allocation, Wyoming currently faces a lack of EV charging infrastructure, making it challenging for EV owners to travel long distances within the state.
As of 2023, Wyoming had only about 95 charging stations, with almost 300 stations according to another source, which is significantly fewer than its neighboring state, Colorado, which boasts over 2,000 stations. The existing stations in Wyoming are concentrated in nine cities, primarily along the I-80, I-25, and I-90 interstates, leaving large gaps in the more rural areas of the state. This distribution of charging stations makes long-distance travel by EV within Wyoming difficult, if not impossible.
The NEVI Program guidelines call for a charging station at a minimum of every 50 miles and within one mile of an interstate exit. Wyoming has been negotiating with the federal government regarding this distance requirement, as the state's wide-open spaces and sparse population present unique challenges for EV infrastructure development. Wyoming's Year 1 and Year 2 NEVI plans have been approved, and the state expects to receive $5 million annually from 2022 to 2026 to support the development of EV charging infrastructure.
The funding provided by the NEVI Program is intended to incentivize private businesses or local governments to build "alternative fuel corridors" along the interstates. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will not own, operate, or maintain the charging infrastructure but will oversee the installation of stations and ensure proper funding allocation. The NEVI funding can reimburse infrastructure costs, including the acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of EV charging stations, as well as data sharing and development activities.
While Wyoming faces challenges in building out its EV charging infrastructure, the state is taking steps to improve the situation. The involvement of private companies and local governments is crucial, as they are encouraged to apply for NEVI funds to support the development of charging stations. Additionally, WYDOT is creating a database for networking among different potential EV infrastructure partners, further facilitating the expansion of the state's EV charging network.
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Dealerships will be in conflict with manufacturers' sales and service agreements
Dealerships and manufacturers have had a complicated relationship when it comes to electric vehicles. In the United States, direct manufacturer auto sales are prohibited in many states by franchise laws requiring that new cars be sold only by independent dealers. This has led to disputes between dealerships and manufacturers, particularly in the case of Tesla, which has faced legal challenges in several US states due to its direct sales model.
Wisconsin law, for instance, requires motor vehicle manufacturers to offer all models of a line make to all dealers franchised for that line make. This means that when a new electric vehicle model is launched, the manufacturer cannot restrict certain dealers from selling that model. However, manufacturers can impose "reasonable requirements" for the sale, marketing, or servicing of these models, which may include new EV program standards.
Dealerships have been accused of sabotaging electric vehicle sales by not properly training their staff on EVs and their technology. Some dealerships have also been accused of spreading misinformation, such as claiming that the power grid cannot handle EV charging or that EVs take hours to achieve a full charge. In addition, dealerships have worked with state governments to establish laws that prevent direct-to-consumer sales, protecting their business model.
On the other hand, manufacturers have been criticized for imposing new requirements on dealers without considering the costs and challenges involved in selling and servicing electric vehicles. Dealers have the right to push back against these requirements if they are found to be unnecessary or too costly.
The relationship between dealerships and manufacturers is further complicated by the political nature of the electric vehicle debate. In Wyoming, for example, politicians have proposed a bill to phase out the sale of electric vehicles in the state by 2035, which is seen as a political stunt to support the oil and gas industry and score points against California's ban on the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035.
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Frequently asked questions
No, electric vehicles have not been banned in Wyoming. However, there was a proposed bill in 2023 to ban the sale of electric vehicles in the state by 2035, but it did not pass.
The bill was introduced to support Wyoming's oil and gas industries, which are under threat from the shift to electric vehicles. The bill also cited the lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the state as a reason for the ban.
There are almost 300 EV charging stations in Wyoming, primarily located in nine cities. Most of the stations are Level 2, with Tesla SuperChargers also available in larger cities. Wyoming has proposed funding chargers on smaller highways that serve tourist areas like Yellowstone National Park, but this approach was rejected by the Biden administration.
Yes, electric cars, SUVs, and trucks are available for purchase in Wyoming through certified EV dealers. However, it is recommended that you consider your driving needs as electric vehicles may not be suitable for long trips or rural areas due to limited charging infrastructure.
