California's ambitious EV mandate faces serious challenges with the 2026 requirement of 35% zero-emission vehicles while current market share sits at just 20%. Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Association, explains the growing tension between political ambition and market realities.

• California leads the US in electric vehicle adoption with one in five vehicles sold being pure EVs

• Upcoming mandate requires 35% of all vehicles manufactured for California to be zero-emission by 2026

• Manufacturers face $20,000 fines per non-compliant vehicle, likely leading to restricted allocation of gas-powered cars

• 64% of Californians oppose the zero-emission vehicle mandate to go 100% by 2035

• Insufficient charging infrastructure remains the top concern preventing consumers from transitioning to EVs

• California needs 1 million public chargers by 2030 but currently has only 178,000

• Price difference between electric and gas vehicles ranges from a few thousand to over $10,000

• California dealers have launched a "Calibrate" campaign asking regulators to pause enforcement

• China's BYD has become the world's largest EV manufacturer, raising trade and policy questions

If you're enjoying Power Struggle, make sure to subscribe, like and share this episode, because it helps us bring fact-based energy conversations to more people across Canada and beyond.

Send us a text

The energy conversation is polarizing. But the reality is multidimensional. Get the full story with host Stewart Muir.

Reach out to us with thoughts, questions, or ideas at [email protected]

Linkedin
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
🎧 For audio versions of our podcast visit powerstruggle.ca and listen on the go in your favourite podcast app!
Video available on Power Struggle’s YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod