Toyota Motor North America has spoken out about California’s ambitious new electric vehicle (EV) mandates, calling the targets “impossible” given the slow growth of electric vehicles in America. Currently, only 9% of U.S. car buyers choose electric cars, and in many states the EV adoption rate is even lower.
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However, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has set an ambitious mandate that by 2026, 35% of all light-duty vehicle sales must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or plug-in hybrids. The ultimate goal is that by 2035, every new car sold in the state must be zero-emission.
As quoted by CNBC, Toyota Chief Operating Officer Jack Hollis questioned the feasibility of such a timeline, saying, “I have not seen a forecast from anyone – government or private – that says this number is achievable.”
Toyota fears the mandate could force automakers to ignore what customers need, especially in markets where electric vehicles are less popular. Hollis suggested that pushing automakers to meet these demands without adequate market support could limit consumer choice.
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California has historically taken a strict stance on emissions, setting standards that are stricter than those required nationally under a federal waiver. This has led to a split market, with some states following California’s rules, while others follow national regulations.
However, Toyota is calling for a single national standard, arguing that a uniform rule for all states would help automakers produce cars more easily. “We would always want a 50-state rule because that way we can treat all customers, all dealers, equally,” Hollis explains.
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The debate over emission standards has led to much discussion throughout the sector. Hollis said California’s mandate could limit consumer choice by reducing the number of models available. Some politicians, including Democrat Elissa Slotkin, have echoed similar points, saying, “What you govern is your decision, and no one else’s.”
