California’s Electric Vehicle Mandate: An Impossible Task?
The automotive industry is sounding the alarm over California’s electric vehicle mandates, set to take effect next year. Toyota Motor North America’s chief operating officer, Jack Hollis, has expressed concerns that the requirements are unrealistic and will lead to reduced customer choice in several states.
A Challenging Target
The California Air Resources Board’s “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulations require 35% of 2026 model-year vehicles to be zero-emission vehicles, including battery-electric, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. However, Hollis believes that this target is unachievable, citing a lack of demand and forecasting that it will limit customer choice.
State-by-State Compliance
Twelve states and Washington, D.C. have adopted the California Air Resources Board’s rules, with roughly half starting with the 2027 model year. However, J.D. Power reports that no states are currently in compliance with the EV mandate. California, Colorado, and Washington have seen the highest adoption rates, but other states are lagging behind.
Distorting the Industry
Hollis warns that if the mandates remain unchanged, it will lead to “unnatural acts” in the automotive industry, where companies are forced to supply disproportionate amounts of electrified models to compliant states. This could distort the industry and business, as it goes against current market demand.
A National Standard?
Toyota would prefer a single national standard, treating all customers and dealers equally. Hollis hopes that the states, federal government, and auto industry can come to a resolution, avoiding a legal battle over emissions standards.
A Push for Realism
The California Air Resources Board has yet to respond to concerns over the EV mandate. As the automotive industry grapples with the challenges of meeting these targets, one thing is clear: a more realistic approach is needed to ensure that customers have access to the vehicles they want.
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