California to end internal combustion engines from 2035

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Thursday, when the California Air Resources Board meets for its monthly meeting, it is widely expected to approve the ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles, which is expected to go into effect in 2035. The state has been a leader in accelerating the transition to clean transportation, and this latest initiative continues that trend.

In fact, the draft ban on new gasoline or diesel engines has been in the works for some time; Just under two years ago, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order requiring that by 2035 all new passenger cars and light trucks be zero emissions.

Across the world, cities and countries are beginning to plan for the end of the internal combustion engine. Paris, Madrid, Athens and Mexico City have announced plans to ban the sale of new fossil-fuel vehicles over the next three years, a goal that may be somewhat ambitious post-pandemic.

National bans on new ICE vehicles have been mooted for the UK and Germany by 2030 and France by 2040.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has announced an ambition that 50% of all new vehicles sold in the US by 2035 will be zero emissions, although the chances of this happening - already slim - will be probably significantly hampered by inflation. Reduction Act, which President Biden signed into law last week.

Despite (or perhaps because of) decades of lackluster federal action on transportation emissions reductions, as the nation's largest market for new vehicles, California has been able to force automakers to improve efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of its products if they want access to its residents.

Perhaps surprisingly, automakers appear to be supportive of the new mandate, although this is perhaps to be expected given how much their companies will restructure to become electrified over the next decade.

"At Ford, tackling climate change is a strategic priority, and we're proud of our partnership with California for tougher vehicle emissions standards, forged at a time when climate action was under attack. We are committed to building a zero-emissions transportation future that includes everyone, backed by our own investments of more than $50 billion by 2026 in electric vehicles and batteries. Clean Cars II is a historic standard that will define clean transportation and set an example in the United States," said Ford Chief Sustainability Officer Bob Holycross.

Even Toyota, which has donated significant funds to Republican politicians to ease fuel efficiency standards, has been generally positive about the ban.

"Toyota continues to share the vision of GHG reduction and carbon neutrality goals with CARB and the State. In our recent communication, we recognized CARB's leadership in climate policy and its authority to establish vehicle emissions standards under the Clean Air Act We are also excited about our efforts to expand zero emissions activities beyond our core vehicle business with our Clean Ports, Clean Corridors and Clean Communities initiative. , and we look forward to exploring state engagement in these efforts,” he said in a statement.

However, any supposed California ban may have to reckon with a future Republican government. The front...