Latest news with #EVmandates
Auto Car
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
"Have we gone too far?" Dacia boss says cars must get smaller
Close 'It's ridiculous to buy a C-segment car just to take to school or the supermarket. You're using tonnes of metal and lots of screens just to go to Tesco. It's fair and intelligent to ask: 'Have we gone too far?'' Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot certainly thinks so, as does his boss, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, along with de Meo's counterpart at rival firm Stellantis, executive chairman John Elkann. De Meo and Elkann recently joined forces to call on European legislators to move away from EV mandates and instead focus on an overall reduction of CO2 emissions.
Auto Blog
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Future of EVs in California Upended as Senate Blocks 2035 Gas Car Ban
The U.S. Senate repealed California's plan to phase out gas-only vehicles by 2035, dealing a blow to EV mandates and sending the measure to President Trump. The electric handcuffs get removed from the wrists of automakers Today, the U.S. Senate has voted to block California's landmark plan to phase out gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 in a landmark decision, as reported by news outlet Reuters. Not only does this impact the country's most progressive anti-fossil fuels state, but it also signals a move that could very well affect the rest of the country. What this decision means GMC Hummer electric vehicles on the production line at General Motors' Factory ZERO all-electric vehicle assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. — Source: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images The move effectively reverses a waiver granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under former President Biden's administration that allowed California to enforce strict emissions regulations. That waiver enabled California to require at least 80% of new vehicles sold by 2035 to be electric or plug-in hybrid, with some automakers having warned they might need to limit gas-powered vehicle sales in certain states to meet California's stringent rules. The Senate vote is viewed as a major victory for automakers, including General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Stellantis. These companies, represented by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, have lobbied against the rules, arguing they are unrealistic and financially burdensome. 'These EV sales mandates were never achievable,' said John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance. 'Complying would have required diverting limited capital from the EV transition just to purchase compliance credits from Tesla.' Elon Musk and Donald Trump next to a Tesla Model S — Source: Getty Tesla did not offer immediate comment, but GM welcomed the decision, saying it brings emissions standards more in line with current market conditions. In contrast, environmental advocates sharply criticized the vote. Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice, said, 'While our Republican leaders may try to put the horse back in the barn when it comes to electric vehicles, the world has already shifted under their feet.' These legislative moves are part of a broader political effort to scale back federal and state-level EV incentives. On the same day, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would eliminate the $7,500 federal tax credit for new EVs, impose a new $250 annual fee on EV owners to fund road maintenance, and phase out battery production tax credits by 2028. The bill also aims to roll back federal emissions regulations that encourage automakers to expand EV production. These rollbacks could give automakers more legal elbow room to delay or reduce planned EV production, which has recently been tumultuous. Numerous changes have been made to both short—and long-term EV strategies that were affected by changes in the market and production hurdles. Some view it as a detriment to environmental progress CA Governor Gavin Newsom in a Tesla — Source: Governor Gavin Newsom California's initiative, which was first announced five years ago, has already been adopted by eleven other states and impacted approximately a third of the American automotive market. Environmental groups and clean energy advocates praised it for its daring measures, which they viewed as hard-hitting against air pollution and climate change. California has historically led the country in emissions standards, but some have viewed their measures as Draconian and far too lofty (and costly) a goal for automakers to reach in such a short time. The legislation now heads to President Donald Trump, who is expected to support the repeal. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV 1LT — Source: Chevrolet The Senate also voted to overturn the EPA's 2023 approval of California's plan to gradually increase the number of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks. California already requires 35% of new light-duty vehicles sold by the 2026 model year to be zero-emission, but automakers argue that the demand for electric vehicles remains too low in many states to reach this goal. In response, Vermont and Maryland have already postponed their compliance timelines. Final thoughts The Senate's decision to block California's ambitious 2035 zero-emissions vehicle mandate marks a significant shift in the national conversation around EV policy, states' rights, and the future of automotive regulation. While automakers may find temporary relief from aggressive compliance targets, the long-term direction of the industry remains driven by global trends, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. EVs might have hit a hurdle, but they're not going to disappear.
Motor 1
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Federal Government Just Killed California's EV Mandate
The Senate has blocked California's plan to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035. Using an obscure rule allowing a simple majority 51-44 vote to prevail rather than the usual 60-vote threshold, the Federal government has effectively killed all EV mandates, with a legal battle surely to follow. For 50 years, California has set tougher emissions rules than what is nationally required, with automakers and lawmakers falling in line to follow those tougher standards. That authority has gone unchallenged until now. Photo by: Motorsport Images While California, through the California Air Resources Board (CARB), did not officially set federal emissions standards, California holds enough of the market to influence automakers and other states significantly. If CARB sets standards that are tougher than EPA standards, the dominoes fall in line behind CARB—not the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). California effectively sets national tailpipe emission policy. The 2035 mandate had several steps. By 2026, 35 percent of new cars and trucks sold in California had to be zero-emission, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen. By 2030, that climbed to 68 percent. And by 2035, 100 percent. The auto industry has lobbied against the 2035 mandate, even while Honda, Ford, and other automakers signed agreements recognizing California's authority to set standards, because of its aggressive transition period. California Governor Gavin Newsom maintains that the state will still meet its climate goals despite this, citing a "legal responsibility under the federal Clean Air Act to protect our community and reduce criteria pollutants to the levels required by federal law." California may even consider stricter emissions limits on factories and oil refineries to make up the difference, according to Mary Nichols, former chair of CARB. The state could also encourage mass transit or impose penalties for gasoline-powered cars. Meanwhile, the aftermarket is celebrating the repeal of the mandate. Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) said: 'Congress's vote gives the nation's automotive marketplace much-needed stability, which will deliver renewed investment and sufficient resources to aid our industry in doing what we do best: innovating the future of automotive technology.' — Mike Spagnola, President & CEO, SEMA Automakers and lawmakers who lobbied against the mandate also consider the repeal a victory for consumer choice and manufacturing jobs within the United States. More Government News The EPA Vows to 'Fix' Your Car's Most Annoying Feature This City Added Speed Cameras. Now, They're Issuing 30,000 Tickets a Month Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
