CALIBRATE is a coalition of business, labor, consumer, and civil rights organizations organizations calling for a practical, balanced approach to California’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The coalition supports California’s clean transportation leadership but believes the transition must align with consumer demand, infrastructure readiness, and market realities—not arbitrary government deadlines.

California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC 2) regulation requires 35% of all new car sales to be zero emission by 2026, increasing annually until gas-powered car sales are fully banned by 2035. On May 23, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued formal guidance pausing enforcement of the 2026 zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales requirement under the Advanced Clean Cars II regulation. With President Trump expected to sign the bill passed by both chambers of Congress revoking California’s waiver, a federal action expected to face legal challenges, this pause from CARB provides near-term clarity for manufacturers and stakeholders.

EV demand has stalled, and 95% of manufacturers won’t meet the 35% zero emission vehicle sales mandate by 2026. Automakers that fall short face $20,000 fines per noncompliant vehicle, forcing them to cut shipments to California or stop sending cars here altogether. With fewer cars on the market, prices will rise, choices will shrink, and consumers will either buy out of state or hold onto their older, less efficient vehicles. The result? A massive loss in tax revenue, draining funding from essential public services.

New car sales generate over $10 billion annually in tax revenue that funds schools, emergency services, roads, and public safety. If fewer new cars are sold in California, this lost revenue will devastate communities—draining funding from first responders, classrooms, and critical infrastructure.

To avoid hefty fines, manufacturers will scale back shipments, reducing competition and driving up prices for both EVs and gas-powered cars.

California needs 2.1 million public chargers by 2035 but currently has only 178,000. The rollout isn’t keeping pace, leaving millions without reliable charging options, especially renters and those in multi-unit housing.

Ironically, the plan could backfire—fewer new car options mean more consumers will hold onto older, less efficient vehicles, driving up emissions instead of reducing them. A rushed transition risks undermining the mandate’s own climate goals.

64% of voters opposed California’s EV mandate once hearing all the details of the policy, compared to only 31% who supported it and 5% undecided. 48% of respondents said they strongly opposed the policy, highlighting the intensity of reluctance among the public. Just 13% said they strongly supported the policy.

California should adjust the mandate timeline to align with consumer demand, infrastructure readiness, and market realities—ensuring a balanced transition that protects essential public services, affordability, choice, and the environment.