California approves regulation requiring all new vehicles to run on electricity or hydrogen by 2035

By Vakkas Dogantekin

ANKARA (AA) - The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved an historic regulation Thursday that will require 35% of all new vehicles sold in the state to run on electricity or hydrogen by 2026 and 100% by 2035.

According to the Sacramento Bee newspaper, the regulation would end the sale of new solely gasoline or diesel cars in California in just 13 years.

“This is transformative,” said Daniel Sperling, a member of the air resources board, adding that California will likely be followed by other states which have a robust green energy agenda.

CARB’s plan increases the number of new cars, trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) that must be electric or hydrogen powered to 35% by 2026 and account for 51% of all new vehicle sales in 2028 and 68% in 2030, until 100% is reached in 2035.

Despite an overall welcome of the sweeping new regulation, the auto industry and some business groups were concerned about its effective implementation and the high cost to manufacturers and buyers.

"Automakers could have significant difficulties meeting the set targets, given elements outside of the control of industry,” said Laurie Holmes, senior manager for government and regulatory affairs for automaker Kia, as cited by the Sacramento Bee.

"These include, but are not limited to, significantly higher material costs, stressed supply chain and sourcing, inconsistent consumer incentives and inadequate charging infrastructure."

The average market price for electric cars is above $60,000, way beyond its gasoline or diesel competitors.