Vermont Governor Phil Scott has paused the state’s electric vehicle sales requirements for passenger cars and medium and heavy-duty trucks. The decision comes amid broader concerns about the feasibility of zero-emission vehicle rules pioneered by California, which Vermont has adopted along with 10 other states.
Background on Zero-Emission Vehicle Rules
The rules, set to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, require 35% of light-duty vehicles in the 2026 model year to be zero-emission models. Governor Scott cited warnings from automakers that they might limit the supply of gas-powered vehicles to dealers in the state due to the EV rules.
“It’s clear we don’t have anywhere near enough charging infrastructure and insufficient technological advances in heavy-duty vehicles to meet current goals,” Scott stated. Other states like Maryland have also delayed enforcement of similar rules, citing concerns about tariffs and charging infrastructure funding.
Industry Reaction and Challenges
Major automakers, including General Motors, have expressed concerns that the rules are unfeasible. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing several major automakers, warned that car companies could be forced to substantially reduce the number of overall vehicles for sale to inflate their proportion of EV sales. California contends that the rules are essential to cut pollution and maintains that recent congressional votes against the rules are illegal.
Impact and Future Developments
The U.S. House of Representatives voted in May to bar California’s 2035 EV plan and its plans to require a rising number of zero-emissions heavy-duty trucks. The move repeals the legal approval for the rules granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under former President Joe Biden. The Senate’s next steps on the measures remain unclear.
As the debate continues, General Motors and other automakers are navigating the challenges of transitioning to electric vehicles while addressing infrastructure and technological concerns. The company’s stock price has shown a +1.71% change, currently standing at $50.46 USD.
