California

What does California new gas car ban mean for vehicles we own and buy? Here’s the timeline

California becomes the first state in U.S. to end the sale of new solely gasoline or diesel cars. When the ban goes into effect ad what happens to people with gas cars now.
California becomes the first state in U.S. to end the sale of new solely gasoline or diesel cars. When the ban goes into effect ad what happens to people with gas cars now. Getty Images/iStockphoto

California is officially the first state to stop the sale of gas-powered vehicles.

On Thursday, the California Air Resources Board passed the ban in an effort to reduce pollution emitted from cars that run on gasoline and diesel.

Here’s what we know so far about the ban:

When does it go into effect?

Under the regulation, by 2026, 35% of new car models sold in California must be powered by electricity.

This means, in the next four years, you might find it more difficult to find a new gas car at the dealership.

Car manufacturers must comply or they will get a $20,000 fine per vehicle sold that’s not zero-emission.

What’s the timeline?

The goal is to completely end the sale of gas-fueled cars.

According to the ban, new vehicles need to be electric at 35% in 2026. Then, in 2028, 51% of all new car sales must be electric, followed by 68% in 2030, and 100% in 2035.

I have a gas-powered car right now. Will I be affected?

If you already own a gas car, don’t worry. You can still drive your car on the road.

This story was originally published August 25, 2022 at 3:58 PM with the headline "What does California new gas car ban mean for vehicles we own and buy? Here’s the timeline."

HT
Hanh Truong
The Sacramento Bee
Hanh Truong was a reporter for The Sacramento Bee.
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