California regulators recently voted to require that major automakers substantially increase the numbers of electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell-powered models for the coming years, eventually accounting for 15.4 percent of all vehicles sold in the state by 2025.
The new standard is part of a broader package of regulations that looks to cut the state’s vehicle tailpipe emissions 75 percent by 2025, and greenhouse gases 34 percent between 2015 and 2025. Automakers affected by the new rule include BMW, Chrysler, General Motors, Daimler, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Toyota and Volkswagen.
These rules will likely reach far beyond the Golden State’s border. Ten other states already follow California’s current auto-emissions regulations, including New York and New Jersey, and are expected to adopt similar mandates.
Buyers in all 50 states should, in turn, see a growing number of plug-in and fuel cell cars being offered at local dealerships in the coming years.
– Jim Gorzelany, CTW Features
