Meeting Our EV Mandate

With the goal of delivering cleaner air and massive reductions in climate-warming pollution, California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate directs that 35% of new 2026 car models sold by automakers must be zero emissions. The requirement ramps up to 68% for 2030 models, and in 2035, it bans all sales of gasoline-powered cars.

Transportation is the single largest source of global warming emissions and air pollution in the state. By 2037, the regulation delivers a 25% reduction in smog-causing pollution which benefits all Californians, especially communities along freeways and other heavily traveled thoroughfares. From 2026 through 2040 the regulation will result in cumulative avoided health impacts worth nearly $13 billion.

About a quarter — 25.3% — of all new cars registered in California in 2024 were electric cars, compared with 25% in 2023. The flat sales follow several years of rapid growth, and sales are below the state’s 35% target.

Here are three things we can do to help meet our 2025 EV requirements:

1. Raise public awareness of benefits of EVs

• Lower fuel and maintenance costs: Electric car charging in California costs roughly half the price of powering a standard gasoline car for driving the same distance. EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered cars and never require oil changes, new spark plugs or fuel filters, typically resulting in lower overall maintenance costs.
• Environmental benefits: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, dramatically lowering smog and GHG emissions.
• Health benefits: Choosing EVs can significantly reduce air pollution, particularly in urban areas, leading to a reduction in health risks, like asthma.
• High Performance: Electric motors provide instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration and responsive handling. With the battery in the center, it lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, providing improved cornering.
• Convenience: EVs can be charged at home overnight, eliminating the need to stop at gas stations. The number of public charging stations is increasing, making it easier to find charging locations on the go. 

2. Incentivize EV adoption and help drive affordability

With looming tariffs on cars from Japan, Germany and South Korea together with widespread cuts at the Federal level threatening to eliminate the $7,500 federal tax credit for zero-emission vehicle purchases, the cost of buying cars is expected to increase.

Consumers can take advantage of incentives from SDG&E and we must look to expand State rebates and incentive programs, especially for low- and moderate-income consumers, such as the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), the California Clean Fuel Reward and the CALeVIP. We must also work with automakers to explore innovative financing options.

3. Infrastructure

We must continue to grow the network of fast-charging stations at public locations, businesses and along major transportation corridors, including those with lower incomes and in rural areas, and provide incentives for installing home charging stations. We will also need to address the potential strain on the electricity grid by investing in upgrades and implementing smart grid technologies to efficiently manage EV charging loads.

To browse new and used electric vehicles (together with potential incentives) in our area, visit Driveclean.ca.gov.