Beatrice Lang
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with several states implementing laws and incentives to encourage their use. California, for instance, led the way with approximately 1,256,646 light-duty electric vehicle registrations in 2023, accounting for about 35% of vehicles nationwide. Other states are following suit with various mandates and goals to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road. States like Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have set targets for the number of ZEVs they aim to have on their roads by specific years, while also requiring a certain percentage of new car sales to be ZEVs. Some states, like California and South Carolina, have gone a step further by mandating that 100% of new light- to medium-duty vehicles sold be zero-emission by a certain year. These varying approaches by different states showcase a growing trend towards the adoption of electric vehicles, with each state tailoring its approach to suit its specific circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States with zero-emission vehicle mandates | California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Colorado, Connecticut, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Pennsylvania |
| States with no zero-emission vehicle mandate | Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Tennessee |
| States with the highest number of light-duty electric vehicle registrations in 2023 | California, Florida, Texas |
| Federal government initiatives | The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) temporarily suspended orders of zero-emission vehicles and stopped the installation of new EV charging stations |
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What You'll Learn
California's 2035 goal for 100% zero-emission vehicles
California has been at the forefront of the shift towards electric vehicles in the United States. The state has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035, with a phased approach that will see a year-by-year increase in the number of zero-emission vehicles on the roads. This target includes both cars and light trucks, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
The state's commitment to this goal is evident from the significant investment of $3.9 billion to accelerate its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) agenda. This funding will be used to develop the necessary infrastructure and encourage consumers to adopt ZEVs. California's efforts are in line with Governor Newsom's Executive Order, which aims to end the sale of new internal combustion engine passenger vehicles by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 or sooner.
The state's 2035 goal for 100% zero-emission vehicles is part of a broader strategy to address the adverse effects of carbon-powered transportation. California is currently facing extreme drought and an increased risk of devastating wildfires, which are direct consequences of climate change. By transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, the state aims to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of global warming.
The benefits of this initiative extend beyond environmental concerns. It is estimated that from 2026 to 2040, the regulation will result in significant health improvements, including a reduction of 1,290 cardiopulmonary deaths and 460 fewer hospital admissions for cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses. Additionally, there will be a substantial decrease in air pollution, particularly in communities located along freeways and heavily travelled routes, improving the overall quality of life for Californians.
California's approach to increasing ZEV sales is considered a leader in the nation, with a well-defined roadmap and strategies to ensure a successful transition. The state's efforts are expected to inspire similar actions across the country, as it has done in the past, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for transportation.
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Arizona's Intermountain West Electric EV Corridor
Arizona has joined the Intermountain West Electric EV Corridor with Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The goal of this partnership is to make it easier for drivers to use electric vehicles (EVs) across the Western United States. This initiative, known as the REV West memorandum of understanding (MOU), aims to create a seamless EV driving experience across the region.
Arizona's participation in the Intermountain West Electric EV Corridor demonstrates its commitment to embracing innovation and keeping pace with technological advancements. Governor Doug Ducey emphasised the importance of welcoming new technologies, stating that Arizona wants to "continue to welcome innovation with open arms."
The REV West MOU outlines several key objectives for the Signatory States, including Arizona. These goals include raising consumer awareness about EVs, reducing range anxiety, and increasing EV adoption. To achieve these targets, the states have agreed to coordinate on charging station locations and establish voluntary minimum standards for these stations. Regular meetings between senior leaders from each state ensure consistent progress and effective collaboration.
The Intermountain West Electric EV Corridor also focuses on supporting rural infrastructure development for EV charging. This includes engaging stakeholders, coordinating activities, and investing in EV infrastructure in rural communities along key corridors in the Intermountain West. Arizona's involvement in this initiative aligns with its efforts to promote the use and expansion of electric vehicles.
In summary, Arizona's participation in the Intermountain West Electric EV Corridor reflects its proactive approach to embracing new technologies and supporting the adoption of electric vehicles. Through collaboration with neighbouring states, Arizona is helping to create a seamless EV driving experience across the Western United States, contributing to a more sustainable and innovative future.
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Maine's 2027 goal for 43% ZEV sales
Many states in the US have laws and incentives related to the use of electric vehicles. Maine is one of the states that has set a goal for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales.
Maine's Board of Environmental Protection is considering adopting a proposal that will impact the type of vehicles Maine people can purchase. The proposal, which originated in California, would require dealerships to sell a certain percentage of ZEVs. By 2027, 43% of new vehicles sold in Maine would need to be ZEVs, and this requirement would increase to 82% by 2032. For 2035 and beyond, it would no longer be permissible to sell new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the state.
Maine's proposed ZEV mandate is part of its efforts to meet its climate change goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The Nature Conservancy has voiced support for the proposal, stating that it aligns with Maine's statutory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction requirements. However, there is also opposition to the rule, with some arguing that it will result in increased costs for businesses and that there are not enough reliable supplies of critical battery materials.
Maine's ZEV goal is similar to targets set by other states such as New Jersey, Delaware, and New Mexico, which have also adopted California's Advanced Clean Cars II rule. These states aim to increase the percentage of ZEV sales gradually, with a focus on transitioning to a ZEV fleet by 2035.
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Maryland's 2025 goal for 60,000 ZEVs
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with many states implementing laws and incentives to encourage their use. Maryland is one such state that has set ambitious goals for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
In 2020, Maryland established a goal of having 60,000 ZEVs on the road by 2025, with an interim target of 20% of new car sales being ZEVs by that year. This goal is part of Maryland's commitment to reducing transportation-related air pollution and enhancing national security by reducing dependence on petroleum. As of 2020, Maryland had just over 26,000 ZEVs registered, which included pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
Maryland has a long history of supporting ZEVs. In 2013, the state joined eight other states in signing a memorandum of understanding to ensure the successful implementation of the ZEV program. This led to the formation of the ZEV Task Force, which now has ten member states committed to having at least 3.3 million ZEVs operating on their roadways by 2025. Maryland has also adopted California's Clean Cars Program, which sets stringent vehicle emissions standards.
To achieve its goals, Maryland will need to significantly increase the number of ZEVs on its roads. As of 2022, there were only 36,000 ZEVs among the 5.2 million vehicles registered in the state, representing just 0.6% of the total. Maryland also needs to expand its EV charging infrastructure, with plans to install more than 5,000 Level 2 and DC fast-charging stations as part of a five-year pilot program.
Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act, passed in 2022, established an additional goal of cutting emissions by 60% from 2006 levels by 2031. This target will require a dramatic acceleration of decarbonization efforts, impacting transportation, building systems, energy developments, and business operations. Maryland is exploring various initiatives to achieve its climate goals, including solar farms, hybrid heat pump operations, and renewable natural gas supply sources.
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Colorado's 2032 goal for 82% electric vehicles
In 2019, Colorado set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The bill required that at least 20% of new vehicles sold in the state be electric by 2030. In October 2023, Colorado's air regulators set a rule requiring 82% of vehicles on sale to be electric by 2032. This was approved by the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) and is known as the "Colorado Clean Cars standard". The standard also creates further emissions standards for traditional passenger vehicles, which the state says create harmful ozone pollution.
The Colorado Clean Cars standard largely adopts California's rules requiring auto manufacturers to increase their offerings of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from 2027. Colorado has an existing clean cars mandate that expires in 2025, with dealer inventory in EVs set at 25%. The new standard includes targets of 51% of sales in 2028 and 68% in 2030.
The Colorado Energy Office's Will Toor said that aiming for 82% is "an extremely ambitious goal" and that if this target is met, the state will be headed towards full vehicle electrification. However, Toor also said that the state should wait until it is sure that the vehicles and infrastructure will be available before moving to 100%.
Colorado is the ninth state to adopt the second phase of California's clean car rules, and the first in the Mountain West. The state has also joined the Intermountain West Electric EV Corridor with Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming to help drivers to use EVs across the Western US.
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Frequently asked questions
Many states have laws and incentives related to the use of electric vehicles. For example, in 2022, California approved a rule requiring 100% of new light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. In 2023, Colorado’s air regulators set a rule requiring 82% of vehicles on sale to be electric by 2032.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers grants for the development and implementation of plans to reduce GHG emissions through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) also offers funding to deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities.
California had the greatest number of light-duty electric vehicle registrations in 2023, with approximately 1,256,646 vehicles, accounting for about 35% of vehicles nationwide. However, the Trump administration has paused orders of zero-emission vehicles for the federal government's fleet.
