Wiktor Wise
California has been working towards a transition to electric vehicles since the 1990s, when air pollution was a significant issue in many regions. In 2022, the California Air Resources Board formalized an executive order mandating that all new light-duty vehicles sold in the state be zero-emissions by 2035. This includes passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs, and is part of the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations. By 2030, 68% of new vehicles sold must be zero-emissions, and these vehicles will only account for about 4% of the total system electric load during peak hours. California's vehicle emissions standards have been granted a waiver by the EPA, and the state has a history of influencing other states and countries to follow its lead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of electric vehicles law | 2035 |
| Zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) sales target by 2030 | 68% |
| ZEV sales target by 2035 | 100% |
| ZEV sales target by 2026 | 35% |
| ZEV battery range requirement by 2030 | 80% of original range over 10 years |
| ZEV battery range requirement by 2026-2029 | 70% of original range over 10 years |
| ZEV battery range requirement by 2031 | 75% of original range over 8 years |
| ZEV powertrain components warranty | 3 years or 50,000 miles |
| Expected electricity demand from electric vehicles in 2030 | 4.0% of the total system electric load during peak hours |
| Expected cost parity of electric vehicles with conventional vehicles by 2030 | Yes |
| Expected savings from owning an electric vehicle by 2035 | $7,900 in maintenance and operational savings over the first 10 years |
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What You'll Learn
- By 2030, 68% of new vehicles sold in California must be electric or hydrogen-fuelled
- Electric vehicles will add a small amount of electricity demand to California's grid
- California's environmental laws tend to influence other states and the federal government
- California is investing in clean energy projects and more public charging stations
- Automakers will be allowed to use a credit system to meet a lower percentage of sales
By 2030, 68% of new vehicles sold in California must be electric or hydrogen-fuelled
California has been working towards the electrification of vehicles since the 1990s. Back then, unhealthy air plagued regions such as the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and cities frequently failed to meet federal and state thresholds for pollutants. In the 2000s, when automakers began rolling out viable hybrid and electric vehicles, the state air resources board started putting formal targets in place.
In 2022, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed the Advanced Clean Car II standards, which require 35% of new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state to be electric or hydrogen-fuelled (or zero-emission vehicles) by 2026, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. This regulation applies only to automakers and new vehicle sales, and it does not impact existing vehicles on the road, which will still be legal to own and drive.
The state is investing in clean energy projects, more public charging stations, and transmission line upgrades to support this transition. By 2030, electric vehicles are expected to add only a small amount of electricity demand to California's grid. The CEC's 2021 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) demand forecast predicts that 5.4 million light-duty electric vehicles and 193,000 medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles will only account for about 4% of the total system electric load during peak hours (4-9 pm).
The durability and warranty requirements in the Advanced Clean Car II standards will help establish a viable and dependable used zero-emission vehicle market. Additionally, the regulation includes an approach that provides credits to automakers for certain actions that increase access to zero-emission vehicles by low-income households and people living in disadvantaged communities.
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Electric vehicles will add a small amount of electricity demand to California's grid
California is taking steps to phase out new gas-powered cars and transition to electric vehicles. The state has set a target of 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, with an intermediate goal of 68% in 2030. This means that automakers will have to gradually increase the number of electric vehicles they sell, starting with 35% in 2026.
While this transition to electric vehicles will significantly increase the demand for electricity in California, it is expected to add only a small amount of demand to the state's grid within the next decade. According to the California Energy Commission, electric vehicles will account for about 4% of the total system electric load during peak hours (4–9 pm) in 2030. This is a small increase compared to the less than 1% they currently account for during the same peak period in 2022.
The state is confident that it will be able to meet the future demand for electricity. However, it will require significant investments in grid infrastructure. California will need to build more high-voltage transmission lines to transport electricity from rural wind and solar power plants to demand centers. The state will also need to expand its generation capacity, with the California Energy Commission estimating an increase in electricity production of up to 42% in 2035 and up to 85% in 2045.
To manage the increased demand, California is also encouraging the use of vehicle-to-grid technology, where electric vehicles can send energy back to the grid when it is in high demand. This technology is still in its early stages and has only been tested with buses in California so far. Another strategy is the implementation of time-of-use rates, where electricity costs vary depending on the time of day, encouraging people to charge their vehicles during non-peak hours.
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California's environmental laws tend to influence other states and the federal government
California has been at the forefront of environmental laws in the US. The state has passed some of the strongest environmental laws, which have set a precedent for other states and the federal government to follow. California's efforts to combat climate change and reduce air pollution have been well recognised. For instance, in 2006, the state passed AB 32, a law that directed industries to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by 25% over the next 13 years. This was followed by the Advanced Clean Cars program, which combines several regulations, including the Low-emission Vehicle criteria and the Zero-emission Vehicle regulation. As part of this program, all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in California will be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. This switch to zero-emission vehicles is expected to have a ripple effect across the country, with other states likely to follow suit.
In addition to influencing other states, California's environmental laws also shape federal policies. The state has led the way in addressing issues that are not adequately covered by federal laws. For instance, California's green chemistry policy, which aims to protect public health by regulating toxic substances, goes beyond the scope of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The state's legislative efforts in this area have highlighted the gaps in federal policies and prompted discussions about strengthening national chemical safety standards. California's influence on federal policies is significant, and the state often serves as a testing ground for new ideas and approaches that can be scaled up at the national level.
California's environmental laws also have a direct impact on the federal government's agenda and priorities. The state's proactive approach to addressing climate change and reducing air pollution has pushed the federal government to take a more active role in these areas. California's laws and regulations often set a standard that the federal government feels pressured to match or exceed. The state's influence is particularly notable when there is a lack of federal action or when federal policies are perceived as inadequate. In such cases, California's legislative actions fill the void and set a precedent for the federal government to follow. This dynamic demonstrates the state's ability to drive policy changes and shape the national conversation around environmental issues.
Furthermore, California's environmental laws influence the federal government through legal challenges and policy advocacy. The state has a history of challenging federal policies that are seen as insufficient or detrimental to the environment. For example, California has led lawsuits against the federal government over issues such as vehicle emissions standards and the protection of endangered species. These legal challenges have played a crucial role in shaping federal environmental policies and ensuring that they align with the state's more stringent standards. Additionally, California's policymakers and advocacy groups actively engage with their federal counterparts to advocate for stronger environmental protections and influence national policy debates. This continuous dialogue and collaboration between the state and federal levels contribute to the ongoing evolution of environmental laws and policies in the United States.
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California is investing in clean energy projects and more public charging stations
California is taking significant steps to promote clean energy projects and expand public access to charging stations. The state has ambitious goals for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve these goals, California is investing heavily in charging infrastructure and incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) is at the forefront of these efforts, investing up to $100 million annually in clean transportation and fuel projects through the Clean Transportation Program. This includes funding for the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), which has incentivized the installation of nearly 10,000 EV chargers to support the growing number of electric vehicles on California roads. In July 2025, the CEC will launch a $55 million funding window for the Fast Charge California Project, part of CALeVIP, to install high-powered EV charging stations at businesses and publicly accessible locations across the state. Priority will be given to chargers in tribal, disadvantaged, and low-income communities.
Additionally, California is addressing the challenges of high vehicle costs and consumer reluctance by providing subsidies to support low- and middle-income residents in purchasing electric cars. The state has also committed $10 billion in investments to make electric cars more accessible and affordable for all Californians. These efforts are in line with the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, which aim to transition all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in California to zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
The state is also working to ensure the sustainability and proper management of vehicle batteries. The Advanced Clean Cars II regulations require manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles to include labels on battery systems, providing key information for end-of-life management and facilitating the efficient recovery of critical battery materials. This will help reduce the need for additional mining of critical energy materials.
California's investments in clean energy projects and public charging stations are crucial for achieving its ambitious climate and air quality goals. The state aims to have 1.5 million ZEVs on the roads by 2025 and 5 million by 2030, with a target of 100% zero-emission passenger car and truck sales by 2035. These efforts are expected to deliver substantial emission reductions, with particular benefits to communities near roadways that suffer from persistent air pollution.
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Automakers will be allowed to use a credit system to meet a lower percentage of sales
California has been working towards the electrification of vehicles since the 1990s. Back then, unhealthy air plagued regions such as the Los Angeles metropolitan area and inland valleys. Cities frequently failed to meet federal and state thresholds for pollutants. In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a zero-emissions target in an executive order. This was a major step towards ensuring continued progress on the road to a cleaner environment.
The Advanced Clean Cars II standards, passed in 2022, require 35% of new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in California to be electric or hydrogen-fuelled by 2026, and 100% by 2035. Automakers will be allowed to use a credit system to meet a lower percentage of sales. This credit system is designed to incentivize automakers to offer cheaper electric vehicles at dealerships and participate in state subsidy programs. This will help make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to low- and middle-income residents.
The credit system is part of California's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. The state aims to reduce greenhouse gases by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and end the sale of new internal combustion engine passenger vehicles by 2035. To achieve these goals, automakers will need to gradually electrify their fleets, starting with 35% of 2026 models sold, increasing to 68% in 2030, and reaching 100% by 2035.
The transition to electric vehicles is expected to have a significant impact on the state's emissions, with almost 40% of emissions currently coming from tailpipes. Additionally, as electricity in California is increasingly generated from renewable sources, the energy powering electric vehicles will also become cleaner over time.
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Frequently asked questions
By 2035, California plans to have 100% of new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state to be electric or hydrogen-fueled. This will be a gradual process, with 35% of new models sold in 2026 being zero-emissions, increasing to 68% in 2030.
The new laws will reduce smog-causing pollution from light-duty vehicles, benefiting all Californians, especially those living near freeways and heavily traveled roads. It will also reduce the state's carbon footprint, as electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions.
Critics argue that California needs to invest in more charging stations and improve its power grid to meet the demand of the anticipated increase in electric vehicles. There are also concerns about the high upfront cost of electric vehicles and the lack of affordable options for low-income residents.
