Whether or not you personally believe that electric vehicles are the future, you may not have a choice but to buy one. President Biden has made it clear that he plans to transition the United States to battery-powered cars if he is elected in November, and 12 states have already agreed to support his mission and ban gas-powered cars.
In 2022, California adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II Act, which stated that all new cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state would be zero-emission by 2035. Since then, 11 other states have followed suit. Let’s find out which ones are banning gas cars.
Maine: Giving the People What They Want
In May 2023, the residents of Maine signed a civil petition, begging their lawmakers to adopt California’s Advanced Clean Cars II Act.
Maine politicians listened to their residents and approved the legislation earlier this year. However, while they will fully ban gas-powered cars by 2035, they also dictated that at least 51% of all new car sales or leases must be zero-emission vehicles by 2028.
New Jersey: 100% EVs by 2035
Currently, EVs account for 12% of new vehicle sales in the state of New Jersey. However, in March 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order to increase that number significantly over the coming decade.
The state’s new legislation aims to increase the number of registered EVs to 43% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. Gov. Murphy said, “I am proud to announce that we’re accelerating New Jersey’s goal of reaching a 100% clean energy future ahead by 15 years—from 2050 to 2035.”
New York: $2,000 to Anyone Who Buys an EV
While New York state has also implemented the Advanced Clean Cars II Act and plans to make new gas-powered vehicle sales illegal by 2035, the state also plans to incentivize residents to make the change.
In fact, New York has a rebate program in place that offers $2,000 to residents who purchase or lease an electric car.
Washington: Making Sure Everyone Can Afford a New EV
Like the other states on this list, Washington has announced that the sale of new gas-powered cars will be illegal starting in 2035. Also like many others, the state is offering rebates to residents who buy new EVs or even hybrids.
However, one interesting difference in Washington’s program is that it prioritizes low-income earners, offering exceptionally high rebates, tax breaks, and other incentives to those residents living below the poverty line who buy an EV.
Vermont: Cutting Down Emissions by 39%
Because transportation is Vermont’s largest source (39%) of air pollution, the state believes that banning gas-powered cars will not only help in the fight against climate change but also improve the air quality for its residents.
The plan is to ensure at least 35% of all cars purchased in Vermont are zero-emission by 2026 and 100% by 2035. The state also plans to invest the $21.2 million it receives from the Federal Highway Administration to build charging stations along its long, rural roads.
Rhode Island: Small State With Big Plans
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, and there are less than 500,000 cars registered across the state. When compared to California, which boasts more than 31.3 million registered vehicles, Rhode Island’s contribution to the climate change problem is certainly quite small.
However, the state has still decided to ban gas-powered cars by 2035 and even offers a rebate for residents who buy EVs. Additionally, Rhode Island plans to spend $4.5 million every year for the next five years to ensure the state has ample charging stations.
Massachusetts: Following California’s Rules
Massachusetts, home to the Boston Red Sox, Cape Cod, and the best clam chowder, couldn’t be more different from the state of California. However, the New England state has essentially decided to do everything California does, specifically when it comes to environmental legislation.
So, almost immediately after California passed the Advanced Cars II Act, Massachusetts did the same. That means there will be no gas cars for sale across the state by 2035.
Maryland: 300,000 EVs by 2035
Maryland’s Governor, Wes Moore, announced in the spring of 2023 that he has big plans to transition the state from gas-powered vehicles to electric options over the next ten years.
As of July 2024, there are only 81,000 registered EVs in Maryland, but Gov. Moore said there will be 300,000 by 2035. To implement this plan, Moore has adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II Act, which means the sale of gas-powered cars will be completely banned by 2035.
Oregon: Investing Millions Into EVs
Oregon is known around the country for its love of nature, so it’s not surprising that the state is not only banning gas-powered vehicles in 2035 but also spending hundreds of millions of dollars on the transition.
Like New York, Oregon has an EV rebate program. But instead of offering just $2,000, each person who purchases a new EV will receive $7,500, and those who buy a used model will get $5,000. Not to mention, the state plans to invest $100 million in public charging stations.
Delaware: 82% of Cars Will Be Electric by 2032
Delaware has always been considered a swing state, but residents have voted Blue in the presidential election since 2008.
Now, it seems they’re jumping on board with Biden’s EV plan, with their own legislation stating that 82% of new car sales must be electric or at least hybrid by 2032.
Virginia: They May or May Not Ban Gas-Powered Cars
Virginian lawmakers and voters have been arguing for years over whether or not they should adopt California’s Advanced Clean Cars II Act. The state did actually approve the legislation to ban all gas-powered cars by 2035, but earlier this year Governor Glenn Youngkin tried and failed to overturn it.
It’s likely that Republican lawmakers will continue to fight to overthrow the ban over the next ten years, so whether Virginia will actually stop the sale of gas-powered cars remains to be seen.
