- New Jersey sets the wheels in motion, mandating a 43% Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) share for manufacturers’ new vehicle sales by 2027.
- Quota will continue to drive up, racing towards 100% by 2035, reshaping the state’s automotive landscape.
- Car makers must gear up for a green overhaul as New Jersey accelerates towards a zero-emission vehicle future.
New Jersey drives green: 43% ZEV quota to hit roads in 2027, full throttle to 100% by 2035
New Jersey’s automotive agenda is shifting gears. Come 2027, manufacturers must ensure that 43% of their new vehicle sales comprise Zero-Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs). And it doesn’t stop there. The quota is set to progressively rise, reaching a full 100% ZEV share by the year 2035.
In this transformative move, New Jersey is steering in sync with a nationwide momentum, directing manufacturers to integrate emissions-free vehicles into an expanding share of their new vehicle sales.
The regulation is crafted to sidestep obligations for consumers or car dealers, placing the onus on manufacturers themselves. Specifically targeting companies producing passenger cars and light-duty trucks, the mandate establishes an annual ZEV requirement. This directive aims to progressively boost the proportion of electric vehicles sold in New Jersey. Furthermore, the ruling underscores a commitment to elevate the environmental performance of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, necessitating adherence to more stringent exhaust emission standards across the entire production lineup to meet strict CO2 criteria.
The new rule isn’t about banning ICE vehicles or making consumers switch to EVs. It focuses on pushing car makers to include more clean-energy options. It’s not forcing anyone to do anything just yet, but aims to give certainty to companies investing in electric cars and charging infrastructure. Not everyone in US politics has taken well to this development.
As previously outlined in February, Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette have now confirmed the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule for adoption on December 18.
At the announcement of the new rule, New Jersey’s Governor Murphy said:
“The steps we take today to lower emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, all while increasing access to cleaner car choices. Indeed, together with my Administration’s continuing investments in voluntary electric vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, and the green economy, these new standards will preserve consumer choice and promote affordability for hardworking New Jerseyans across the state.”
In July, the U.S. state also reinstated its electric vehicle subsidy program, offering up to $4,000 for vehicles with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) under $45,000. Additionally, incentives of up to $1,500 are available for pricier cars sold by dealers at prices ranging from $45,001 to $55,000.
While not imposing an outright ban, the new rule propels the state towards a more sustainable future, though not without encountering political resistance. Governor Murphy and Commissioner LaTourette’s recent confirmation of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule adoption marks a definitive step in reshaping New Jersey’s automotive landscape and raises intriguing questions about the state’s environmental trajectory.
