Could your next car be electric? In a bold move to combat climate change and improve air quality, these states are phasing out the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.
This Clean Car initiative is reshaping the automotive landscape and paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
1. Maryland
In alignment with Governor Wes Moore’s 2023 announcement, Maryland is transitioning towards cleaner energy by phasing out sales of new gas-powered vehicles. The state aims to significantly increase electric vehicle (EV) registrations from the current 81,000 to at least 300,000 by 2035.(ref)
Local authorities are working with the state to expand charging infrastructure and are implementing incentives to make EV purchases more attractive to residents.
2. Massachusetts
Transportation accounted for 42% of Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas emissions in 2017, driving the state to pursue aggressive climate action. While not outright banning gas-powered cars, Massachusetts aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.(ref)
This initiative began with the 2022 Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan,(ref) mandating the registration of 300,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025 and 900,000 by 2030.(ref) Residents are responding, with zero-emission vehicle ownership reaching 69,000 and hybrid ownership 153,000 as of January 1, 2023.(ref)
3. New Jersey
New Jersey has joined eleven other states in banning the sale of new gas-powered cars. The state has set a goal to have 43% of light-duty vehicles registered as electric by 2027, increasing to 100% by 2035.(ref) Currently, electric vehicles (EVs) represent 12% of new vehicle sales, and there are 123,000 EV drivers in New Jersey.(ref)
This ban has garnered support from environmentalists who believe the transition to zero-emission vehicles will significantly improve air quality and public health.(ref)
4. New York
New York is emulating California’s initiative to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The state’s plan outlines a phased approach, targeting 35% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales within the next two years, with a gradual increase culminating in the complete ban in 2035.(ref)
Recognizing the challenges associated with transitioning to EVs, New York is proactively addressing potential hurdles. The state is expanding its EV rebate program, offering $2000 for new electric car purchases or leases, and investing in developing a robust charging infrastructure.(ref)
To ensure a smooth and efficient transition, New York anticipates receiving $175 million in federal funding over five years to support this initiative.(ref)
5. Oregon
With over 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) already registered, Oregon aims to significantly increase this number to at least 250,000 in the coming year.(ref) To facilitate this transition, the state is offering substantial rebates of up to $7,500 for new EVs and $5,000 for used ones.(ref)
Additionally, Oregon plans to invest $100 million in expanding the fast-charging station network, prioritizing underserved communities.(ref)
6. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is adopting California’s Advanced Clean Cars II standards, mandating that all new cars sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. This includes fully electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fuel cell EVs. The state aims to achieve 35% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2026, with the ultimate goal of 100% by 2035.(ref)
To encourage this transition, Rhode Island’s “Drive EV program” offers rebates of approximately $2500 for new EV purchases and $1500 for used ones. For plug-in hybrids, the rebates are $1500 for new and $750 for used.(ref)
To support the growing number of EVs, the state is investing $4.5 million annually over the next five years to expand its charging infrastructure.(ref)
7. Vermont
Starting in 2026, 35% of all new car purchases in Vermont must be electric, gradually increasing to 100% by 2030, ensuring a zero-emission transportation system.(ref)
To encourage this transition, Vermont is offering incentives of $4,000 for electric cars and $3,000 for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).(ref) Additionally, the state is investing $21.2 million from the Federal Highway Administration to strengthen the charging network and support the growing number of electric vehicles.(ref)
8. Washington
Washington has enacted a policy that, starting in 2035, will restrict new car sales to electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.(ref) However, owning and operating used gas-powered cars will still be permitted until the policy is fully implemented.
To facilitate the transition to electric vehicles, the state is investing in various incentives and programs. One such initiative is the EV Instant Rebate Program, scheduled to launch in August of this year, which will offer rebates ranging from $2,500 to $9,000 for purchasing or leasing zero-emission vehicles.(ref)
9. Virginia
In 2021, Virginia adopted California’s emission standards, setting a goal to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 in an effort to combat air pollution.(ref) This decision has been met with some opposition from Virginians who argue that electric vehicles (EVs) are expensive and impractical for many, particularly in rural areas.(ref)
Despite Governor Youngkin and Republican lawmakers’ attempts to overturn the ban earlier this year, their efforts were unsuccessful.(ref)
In 2023, Virginia Senate Democrats defeated several Republican efforts to repeal the law.(ref)
10. Connecticut
Connecticut explored banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, aligning with several other states aiming for zero-emission transportation. However, the initiative stalled due to legislative resistance.(ref)
Concerns were raised about the practicality of such a transition, particularly regarding the availability of charging infrastructure and the high cost of electric vehicles. This pushback prompted the governor to withdraw the proposed regulation.(ref)
Currently, no new legislation has been enacted.
11. Delaware
In April 2023, Delaware held a public hearing which led to the finalization of regulations adopting California’s ban on gas-powered vehicles.(ref)
Shawn Garvin, Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, amended the existing Low Emission Vehicle program to align with the standards of Section 177 of the Clean Air Act.(ref)
12. Maine
While Maine explores a transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to combat climate change and reduce emissions, it encounters public resistance due to concerns over the high cost of EVs.(ref)
Environmental advocates championing the Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks rules criticized the decision not to adopt them, labeling the vote a “dramatic departure” from Maine’s established history of prioritizing initiatives to curb pollution from vehicles.
13. Minnesota
Minnesota has adopted the “Clean Car Rule” which ties the state’s vehicle emission standards to California regulations, but this does not automatically trigger a ban on gas-powered vehicle sales in Minnesota.(ref)
The Clean Car Rule, however, does not prohibit the sale or ownership of new or used gas-powered vehicles in Minnesota.(ref)
14. New Mexico
In July 2023, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the state will set annual targets for the sale of new zero-emission vehicles, and New Mexico may adopt parts of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations.(ref)
However, New Mexico is taking a more gradual approach compared to states.
While challenges lie ahead, the commitment of these states demonstrates a growing momentum towards a future where electric vehicles become the norm, not the exception.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
