Driven Out? 12 States Plan Gas Car Bans, But Drivers Aren’t So Sure
Picture a future where the loud noise of gas engines is replaced by the quiet hum of electric motors. This future is coming fast, as states across the U.S. are taking big steps to get rid of gas-powered cars, driven by worries about climate change and dirty air.
Adding to this change, former President Biden aimed for 50% of all new car sales to be electric by 2030. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also suggested tougher fuel economy rules for 2027 to 2032.
Here’s what this transition means for you: the changes happening across different states, and a clearer picture of when and how these new regulations will be implemented. This includes addressing common concerns related to electric vehicles.
By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of the road ahead for America’s automotive landscape.
Concerns with Electric Vehicles
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is generating enthusiasm alongside significant concerns. Consumers are wary of limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and the higher upfront costs of EVs. Additional considerations include the impact on grid capacity and the complexities of battery production.
Recent findings from Consumer Reports indicate that EVs experience nearly 80% more problems compared to gas-powered vehicles. The most common issues reported by EV owners relate to batteries, charging systems, and overall build quality, potentially affecting consumer confidence in the technology.
State-level initiatives aim to address these challenges and facilitate a smoother transition to electric mobility.
20 Real Reasons Why People Still Avoid Buying Electric Cars
California
California is leading the charge in the transition to electric vehicles. In August 2022, the state decided to ban the sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035. This big move aims to fight climate change by targeting a major source of air pollution.
The new rule, known as Advanced Clean Cars II, sets clear targets for car dealerships. By 2026, 35% of new cars and light trucks for sale must be zero-emission. This number grows to 68% by 2030, and reaches 100% in 2035.
California’s bold step has inspired 11 other states to follow its lead. This domino effect could speed up the switch to electric cars across the country, changing the way Americans drive for generations to come.
Delaware
Delaware joined the electric vehicle movement in April 2023. After a public hearing, the state finalized regulations to adopt California’s gas-powered vehicle ban.
The plan starts small, requiring a modest number of EVs in 2027. It then ramps up, aiming for 80% of new car sales to be electric or hybrid models by 2032. This gradual approach gives both car dealers and buyers time to adjust.
After 2032, Delaware officials will take a close look at how well the initiative is working. They’ll use this information to decide if they need to extend or modify the plan.
This flexible strategy shows Delaware’s commitment to reducing emissions while considering the needs of its residents.
Washington
Washington quickly embraced a commitment to combating climate change and improving air quality by adopting the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations in December 2022, shortly after California’s initial legislation passed in August 2022.
These regulations mandate that by 2035, all new passenger vehicles sold in Washington must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The new rules apply to passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles.
The ACC II regulations require an increasing percentage of ZEV sales, starting with 35% of new passenger vehicle sales in model year 2026, and increasing to 100% by 2035.
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Massachusetts
Massachusetts was among the first states to jump on board with California’s Advanced Clean Cars II legislation. The state has a trigger law that automatically adopts any emissions policy enacted by California.
While Massachusetts hasn’t completely banned gas-powered vehicles, it has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
This initiative kicked off with the 2022 Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan. The plan sets clear targets: 300,000 electric cars registered by 2025, and 900,000 by 2030.
By setting these specific milestones, Massachusetts is creating a roadmap for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.
New York
New York became the fourth state to mobilize towards banning the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The law passed in the summer of 2023, with Governor Kathy Hochul taking a strong stance on the issue.
She announced that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in New York State must be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The state’s plan takes a step-by-step approach.
It aims for 35% of vehicle sales to be zero-emission in the next two years. This percentage will steadily increase until it reaches 100% in 2035.
New York’s aggressive timeline reflects its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in one of the nation’s most populous states.
Oregon
In December 2022, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations, making Oregon the fifth state to commit to phasing out the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
This decision supports Oregon’s dedication to environmental protection and builds upon regulations in place since 2005 that have increased the availability of zero-emission vehicles.
This action aligns with Oregon’s goals to improve air quality, enhance public health, and achieve its 2035 greenhouse gas reduction targets. The state aims to have at least 250,000 registered electric vehicles soon.
Oregon recognizes the urgency of addressing climate change and reducing emissions from the transportation sector, which accounts for about 40% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions
New Jersey
New Jersey became the sixth state to use Section 177 of the Clean Air Act to ban gas-powered car sales by 2035. The state has set clear milestones on its path to full electrification.
By 2027, New Jersey aims to have 43% of new light-duty vehicles registered as electric. This percentage will steadily climb until it reaches 100% by 2035.
Currently, electric vehicles account for 12% of new vehicle sales in the state, with 123,000 EV drivers on New Jersey roads.
These numbers show that New Jersey is making significant progress in its transition to cleaner transportation.
Maryland
Maryland joined the electric vehicle movement in March 2023, becoming the seventh state to ban gas-powered cars. Governor Wes Moore announced the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, citing public health as a key motivator.
The state has set an ambitious goal of registering at least 300,000 electric cars by 2035, a significant increase from the current 81,000.
Moore highlighted the potential health benefits of this transition, stating that it could save the state nearly $40 million annually in lost productivity due to respiratory and cardiovascular illness.
This approach emphasizes the broader benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles beyond just environmental concerns.
Rhode Island
In May 2023, Rhode Island adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) regulations, becoming the eighth state to utilize Section 177 of the Clean Air Act to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.
According to the regulations filed by the McKee Administration’s Department of Environmental Management, all new cars sold in Rhode Island must be zero-emission by 2035. Eligible zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) include battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.
Rhode Island’s plan involves a gradual increase in ZEV sales, requiring 35% of new car sales to be ZEVs by 2026, and escalating to 100% by 2035. This phased approach allows time for both infrastructure development and consumer adaptation, facilitating a smoother transition for Rhode Island residents.
Gasoline-powered cars can still be driven in Rhode Island and sold as used cars to new owners
Vermont
Vermont took decisive action in November 2022 when lawmakers approved changes to clean-car requirements. The new regulations mandate that all new cars sold in the state must be zero-emission vehicles by 2030.
Vermont’s plan starts in 2026, requiring 35% of all cars purchased to be electric. This percentage will steadily increase, reaching 100% by 2030.
By setting an earlier
This aggressive timeline puts Vermont at the forefront of the transition to electric vehicles in the United States.
Virginia
The situation in Virginia is more complex. Republican lawmakers are pushing to separate the state of Virginia’s emissions rules. Their most recent attempt was defeated in February, but the debate continues.
These lawmakers argue that electric vehicles are too expensive and impractical for a large portion of the population, especially in rural areas. They express concerns about the affordability and feasibility of widespread EV adoption.
This ongoing debate in Virginia highlights the challenges some states face in balancing environmental goals with perceived economic and practical concerns.
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Connecticut
Connecticut initially considered joining other states in banning gas car sales and adopting zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The plan hit a roadblock due to opposition lawmakers.
A special session held earlier this year was meant to reach a conclusion on the legislation, but no bipartisan solution was agreed upon. As a result, Democratic lawmakers in the state have abandoned the adoption of a gas-powered vehicle ban for now.
This situation in Connecticut illustrates the political challenges some states face in implementing sweeping changes to transportation policies.
Maine, Pennsylvania, New Mexico
Several other states are considering banning gas-powered cars but haven’t taken definitive action yet.
In Maine, a civilian petition in May 2023 urged the regulatory body to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II standards. Public hearings have been held, with the most recent in March. If adopted, Maine would institute California’s gas-powered car ban in 2028.
Pennsylvania, in accordance with its adherence to California’s emissions legislation, has agreed to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations. The state hasn’t yet released specifics about what its ACC II rules might look like.
New Mexico is also following California’s lead, seeming to lean towards limiting gas-powered car sales by 2035.
These states’ actions show how the movement towards electric vehicles is gaining momentum across diverse regions of the country.
Can I Still Buy a Used Gas-Powered Car?
The new regulations don’t force anyone to stop driving their current automobile. You can keep your gas-powered car as long as you want. The rules also don’t prevent you from buying a used gas-powered car.
These laws focus on new car sales, not the existing vehicles on the road. You can even buy a new gas-powered car in another state and register it locally if you choose.
Since only 12 states have adopted Section 177 of the Clean Air Act so far, there will likely be a strong market for gas-powered vehicles in America for many years to come.
This means that even as new electric vehicle sales increase, consumers will still have plenty of options when it comes to purchasing used gas-powered cars.
The Road Ahead
The shift to electric vehicles in the United States is gaining speed, with 12 states leading the way by banning new gas-powered car sales in the coming years. This change aims to cut emissions and fight climate change, marking a big step in America’s automotive future.
Remember, these changes mainly affect new car sales. You can still keep your current gas-powered vehicle or buy a used one. The key is to stay informed and prepared for the evolving automotive landscape.
One thing is clear: the future of driving in America is electric. As we move forward, we’ll all play a part in shaping this revolution on our roads.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.
