New York will attempt to join California, Massachusetts, and Washington in banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
In a statement Thursday, the governor directed state authorities to “take major regulatory action that will require all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in New York State to be zero emissions by 2035.”
Similar to California’s requirements, the rules would phase in. They would require 35% of all new car sales to be zero-emissions vehicles by 2026, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035.
The Industry Is Already Going That Way
The developments may seem like radical changes. It’s worth noting, however, that much of the automotive industry will be building entirely electric or mostly electric lineups before such state rules require it.
Among others, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Audi, and Volvo have all promised all-electric lineups by 2030. General Motors has promised a mostly electric lineup by 2035. Other automakers haven’t named a target date they plan to phase out gas-powered cars. But many have been steadily introducing new electric vehicles at a pace that would allow them to meet the 2035 deadline easily.
Rules Likely Still Allow Used Sales, Out-of-State Cars
Hochul’s order can’t change New York regulations on its own. New York laws require the state to hold hearings for public input before new regulations can take effect.
New York regulators haven’t written the rules yet, so we don’t know what they will say. But, for practical reasons, they’re likely to mirror California’s rules closely. That would mean New Yorkers may be able to own and operate gas-powered cars indefinitely and sell them as used vehicles. New Yorkers might also be allowed to buy gas-powered cars out of state and title them in New York. But the regulations would likely forbid dealerships from selling new gas-powered vehicles in the state after 2035.
