California has long been known for pushing the envelope when it comes to automobile regulations, but the Golden State’s latest proposal might just push the automotive industry off the proverbial cliff.
California is typically in the headlines for pushing its own fuel economy and tailpipe emissions regulations, but the state’s latest initiative revolves around electric vehicles. California is now considering legislation that would mandate a specific percentage of EV sales in the state every year.
If the regulations are approved, zero-emissions vehicles would have to account for 5.5 percent of all new car sales in California by 2018, with that figure set to rise to 14 percent by 2025. If that goal isn’t achieved, all automakers would be fined $5,000 per vehicle.
It remains to be seen how much support the movement actually has, but there are clearly some issues that need to be addressed. California is one of the biggest proponents of electric vehicles, but the state’s infrastructure isn’t yet ready to support EVs on a wide scale. Not to mention California’s EV sales are on pace for 8,000 cars this year, well below that 73,150 that would be required based on 2011 projections.
But perhaps the biggest hurdle will be convincing California’s other 1.25 million new car buyers to shell out an addition $5,000 on a vehicle just because it runs on fossil fuel.
References
1.’California’s Plan to…’ view
