California ban on petrol, diesel car sales from 2035 may set a trend worldwide

California has decided to ban sale of petrol (gasoline) and diesel-powered vehicles in the state from 2035, and this could set a trend to discourage the manufacturing of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the US as well as the world from now onwards.

 

This move would prompt car majors across the world to overhaul their assembly lines in the near future so as to only manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, that too, on a war footing.

California expects 35 per cent of total car sales
in the state to be EVs and other green 
vehicles by 2026 -- Source: Pixabay.

With this, California officials are buoyant. They expect 35 per cent of all vehicle sales to come from EVs, plug-in hybrids or hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2026. 

This figure is expected to go up to 68 per cent by 2030 and reach 100 per cent by 2035.

 

The decision to ban sale of petrol and diesel vehicles is a wake-up call for auto companies to alter their plans. And for this, they just have a few years.

 

This is a big step in the battle against climate change and to boost clean-energy mobility. California is the first government in the world to take such a decision.

 

The state’s clean air regulator — California Air Resources Board — voted overwhelmingly to give nod to the Advanced Clean Cars II plan. This makes it possible to only sell electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from 2035.

 

Even though the voting was unanimous, it would still need green light from the Joe Biden administration before it can take effect.

 

“This is a historic moment for California as well as our partner states and even the world. We have set forth a path towards net-zero emission,” a board official said.

 

This decision could prompt more states and countries across the world to set deadlines for moving towards green cars. Till now, only companies had set timelines to become hybrid or fully electric vehicle makers.

 

There are some concerns regarding the price of electric vehicles and range anxieties in one charge. 

Also, battery cost after the warranty period could be over $15,000, at current prices (that is, if the battery needs a replacement).

 

But this decision by one state (California) — if it has some spill-over effect in the short term — could address concerns regarding range by beefing up charging infra as the scale of EV adoption grows.

 

Also, the price of electric vehicles and battery cost could come down substantially with the burgeoning scale of production.

Moreover, with the ultra-fast charging infra catching up, charging worries could become history and charging stations could be found at convenient locations.

 

California’s decision to have only EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles could prod other states in the US to develop infrastructure. Compared to other US states, California has been a fast mover in the green car space.

 

This decision on only clean-energy vehicle sales by California will come as a fillip for EV makers such as Tesla and Rivian. And, it would also encourage traditional ICE car makers to step up their EV play.

 

A California-like ban on sale of petrol and diesel vehicles around the world may bring down the cost of EVs and hybrids, and this would boost ultra-fast charging infra, prompting people to flock for electric cars while abandoning ICE vehicles.