California Pumps the Brakes: 2035 Gas Car Ban Hits a Reality Check!

TL;DR: California's landmark 2035 ban on new gas car sales is under reconsideration by state regulators. Citing concerns over EV affordability, waning tax incentives, and insufficient charging infrastructure, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is reassessing the practicality of its ambitious climate goals.

Meta: California re-evaluates its 2035 gas car ban target due to EV affordability and infrastructure challenges.

Alright, alright, settle down, 'cause California, the state that usually leads the charge (pun intended) on environmental policy, is pumping the brakes on its 2035 gas car ban. Remember when Gov. Gavin Newsom laid out that bold plan in 2020? Seemed like a lifetime away back then. Now? Not so much. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is in a "very active area of discussion" about whether that goal is still realistic.

It turns out, even in the Golden State, turning off the gas tap completely by 2035 might be harder than a politician sticking to a promise. The federal government blocked CARB from enforcing its far-reaching emissions rules, and now, regulators are looking at a changed automotive landscape. Affordability, disappearing tax incentives, and the big one: not enough places to plug in. Sounds like a reality check, baby.

The Roadblocks Ahead

Christopher Grundler, CARB's deputy executive officer, straight up admitted, "We cannot enforce these rules at the moment." That's a pretty clear signal, isn't it? Other states that usually follow California's lead, like Maryland, Washington, and Vermont, have already paused their own EV sales targets. It's like everyone hit a collective 'pause' button.

The problem isn't just about getting people into EVs; it's about making it easy and affordable. The average price of a new vehicle in the U.S. has doubled since 2015, hitting over $50,000 today. Lawmakers are pointing fingers, wondering if "mandated technologies" and emissions rules are driving up costs. And while some of that is undeniable – rear backup cameras, automatic emergency braking, ADAS tech – the sticker shock is real.

The Human Element

Now, while California figures out its policy, let's talk about the human side of this. Lyft's CEO, David Risher, recently chimed in on Robotaxis, saying human drivers aren't going anywhere anytime soon. He thinks most people are wary of self-driving cars, preferring a human at the wheel. "Customers won’t demand it. They’ll just say, I don’t want to get in a self-driving car." And there's a practical reason too: the cost. A full-fledged autonomous vehicle costs ten times more than a Prius or Corolla. Who's gonna eat that cost?

This all plays into the bigger picture of EV adoption. If people are skeptical about robotaxis, imagine how they feel about being forced into an EV they can't afford, with nowhere to charge it. It's a delicate balance, trying to push progress without pushing people away.

What’s Next

CARB plans to finalize new vehicle emissions regulations by summer 2027, so there's time for more "creative rethinking." This signals a potential shift in strategy, possibly favoring a more gradual transition or different incentive structures. The outcome will influence not just California, but potentially a dozen other states that follow its lead. Automakers, consumers, and policymakers will be watching closely to see how this plays out. It’s a good reminder that even the biggest goals need a reality check now and then.

It's a tough road, but somebody's gotta drive it. And right now, California's just trying to find the right gear.