California’s Plan to Phase Out Gas-Powered Cars by 2035
California leads the nation with ambitious regulations to end new gasoline car sales by 2035 and accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
California’s Ambitious Plan to Phase Out Gas-Powered Cars
California, a long-standing leader in environmental policy, is charting a bold path to drastically reduce carbon emissions from its most polluting sector: transportation. In August 2022, the state adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation, setting in motion a phaseout of new internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2035. The move positions California at the forefront of U.S. efforts to combat climate change through electrification of its vast passenger vehicle fleet.
Background: Why Target Gasoline Vehicles?
Transportation contributes the largest share of California’s greenhouse gas emissions and is a primary source of smog-forming pollutants that harm air quality and health. Gasoline-powered vehicles emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates, exacerbating both global warming and respiratory illnesses. Addressing these emissions is considered essential if California is to achieve its ambitious climate targets and improve quality of life for all residents.
- Climate change mitigation: Road transport is responsible for approximately 40% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions.
- Air quality improvement: Gasoline and diesel tailpipes also contribute to smog and particulate pollution, with major health impacts, especially in urban and disadvantaged communities.
- Leadership by example: By acting decisively, California aims to influence national and global policy, as many other states and countries watch its approach closely.
Key Features of the Advanced Clean Cars II Regulation
Adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in August 2022, the ACC II regulation builds on more than two decades of progressive vehicle emissions standards, mandating that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in California be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035.
- Gradual ramp-up: Automakers must meet ever-increasing requirements for ZEV sales, beginning with the 2026 model year. These requirements rise incrementally each year through 2035.
- Applicability: The standards apply to new vehicle sales; Californians may continue to own, drive, and sell used gasoline cars after 2035.
- Technologies supported: Qualifying zero-emission vehicles include battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (with certain electric-only range requirements).
- Stricter emissions standards: Enhanced limits for the remaining gasoline vehicles sold before 2035, reducing smog-forming tailpipe pollution even before the full phaseout.
Mandated Timeline for Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales
The regulation sets forth a clear and enforceable roadmap, with escalating minimum sales thresholds for automakers:
- 2026: 35% of new vehicles sold must be ZEVs
- 2030: 68% of new vehicles sold must be ZEVs
- 2035: 100% of new vehicles sold must be ZEVs
Policy Origins and California’s Leadership
California’s tradition of pioneering clean car policy dates back to its unique authority under the Clean Air Act to set stricter vehicle emissions standards than federal law. Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 Executive Order N-79-20 was a catalyst, directing CARB to develop rules to reach 100% new ZEV sales by 2035. This move capitalized on public momentum for climate action and leveraged the state’s substantial market influence.
What others are reading
- California was joined by 11 other states and the District of Columbia with similar ZEV mandates—collectively representing over 30% of the U.S. car market.
- Other countries, including Canada, the UK, France, and Norway, have set similar phaseout dates for new gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Incentives and Support for Electric Vehicle Adoption
Recognizing that electric vehicles have traditionally faced higher upfront purchase prices and infrastructure barriers, California offers a wide range of incentives to smooth the transition:
- State rebates for new EV buyers and income-qualified programs for used EV purchases.
- Investments in charging infrastructure, including fast chargers accessible in urban and rural areas.
- HOV lane access for certain ZEVs and local perquisites like free parking in some communities.
- Continued investments in public awareness campaigns and technical support for fleet conversion.
Impact on the Automotive Industry and Market
California’s initiative has already begun to shift the U.S. automotive landscape. Nearly all major automakers are accelerating their EV development timelines to comply, offering a growing suite of electric options. As the largest U.S. car market, California’s actions influence national supply, pricing, and innovation in the sector.
- California accounted for a quarter of all new EV sales in the U.S. in 2023, with nearly 450,000 ZEVs sold—a 30% increase from the prior year.
- Electric vehicle selection and competitive pricing have steadily improved as manufacturers seek to capture growing demand and meet regulatory milestones.
- The supply of new gasoline vehicles is diminishing, and automakers are focusing resources on EV technology and associated supply chains.
Environmental and Public Health Benefits
The anticipated benefits of fully transitioning to zero-emission vehicles are significant and multi-dimensional:
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions: By 2040, the regulations are projected to cut about 395 million metric tons of climate pollution—equivalent to removing annual emissions from 100 million cars.
- Cleaner air: Fewer gasoline cars mean less nitrogen oxides and particle pollution, which directly benefit public health, particularly in communities near highways and industrial corridors.
- Reduced health costs: The California Air Resources Board estimates at least $12 billion in health savings over the life of the regulations due to fewer cases of asthma, respiratory disease, premature death, and lost workdays from pollution exposure.
- Energy diversification: Shifting from imported petroleum to locally-generated electricity (and hydrogen) enhances energy security and supports the grid transition to renewables.
Major Challenges and Criticisms
California’s landmark regulation is not without controversy or logistical hurdles. Key challenges include:
- Infrastructure buildout: Scaling up public and private charging stations is critical, especially for renters and in rural areas.
- Affordability and equity: Ensuring low- and moderate-income communities can access new and used EVs remains a concern, despite incentives.
- Electric grid capacity: Integrating millions of new EVs will require grid upgrades, smart charging technology, and coordination with utilities to avoid stress on the system.
- Supply chain vulnerabilities: The global battery supply chain is under pressure as all automakers pursue aggressive EV targets. Securing sustainable, ethical sources of materials is an ongoing challenge.
- Policy resistance: Some industry groups and lawmakers have opposed the plan, citing costs, technological uncertainty, and federal-state conflicts. In May 2025, legislative moves to revoke California’s emissions waiver brought political and legal uncertainty, though the state is challenging these actions in court.
How Other States and Nations Are Responding
California’s regulatory push is catalyzing similar actions across the U.S. and abroad. More than a dozen U.S. states have adopted California’s ZEV program to various extents, representing a significant portion of national new car sales. Internationally, Europe, Canada, and others are rolling out their own phaseout policies, driving a worldwide shift away from gasoline and diesel vehicles.
- Early adopting states include New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Maryland.
- Canada announced a national 2035 phaseout of new ICE vehicles, while the European Union targets 2035 for the same transition.
What Happens After 2035?
Importantly, the regulation does not ban driving or reselling existing gasoline vehicles after 2035. The focus is on new vehicle sales; residents may continue to operate older gasoline vehicles and buy or sell them on the used market. Over time, as ZEVs dominate new sales, gasoline vehicles will be retired due to age and maintenance, resulting in a naturally transitioning fleet.
- Existing gasoline vehicles may be registered, resold, and driven for years, provided they meet emissions and safety standards.
- Used car markets are expected to continue for at least a decade after the phaseout, with incentives and programs in place to encourage trading up to cleaner vehicles as they become more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will I have to get rid of my gasoline car in 2035?
A: No. You may keep, drive, and sell gasoline-powered vehicles registered before 2035. The regulation only affects new vehicle sales.
Q: What vehicles qualify as zero-emission?
A: Battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, and certain advanced plug-in hybrids (that meet electric-only range criteria) all qualify under California’s rules.
Q: Will electric vehicles become more affordable?
A: Prices are expected to fall as EV production scales up and more used EVs become available. Incentive programs and dropping battery costs contribute to increasing affordability and accessibility.
Q: What about charging if I live in an apartment?
A: California is investing in expanded public charging infrastructure and supporting home charging options. Policies and grants target charging access for multi-unit dwellings and underserved communities.
Q: How will this policy help address climate change?
A: The transition is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 400 million metric tons and sharply cut air pollution, delivering measurable benefits for public health and global warming mitigation.
Conclusion: A Pioneering Path Forward
California’s phaseout of new gasoline vehicle sales by 2035 is a landmark policy that signals the automotive industry’s long-anticipated pivot to electrification. While technological, economic, and political challenges remain, the state’s leadership is accelerating innovation, market transformation, and climate progress. As other states and nations replicate the model, California stands as a bellwether for the clean transportation revolution essential for a healthier, more sustainable future.
References
- https://coltura.org/california-gas-car-ban/
- https://coltura.org/californias-adopts-advanced-clean-cars-ii-regulation-phasing-out-gas-cars-by-2035/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ0ypCoOllY
- https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-cars-program/advanced-clean-cars-ii
- https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/cars-and-light-trucks-are-going-zero-frequently-asked-questions
- https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/05/california-electric-car-mandate-senate-revoke-waiver/
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