Vermont Governor Phil Scott has temporarily halted the state’s electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate for passenger cars and medium- to heavy-duty trucks. The move comes amid growing concerns over the practicality of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) rules modeled after California’s aggressive climate policies.
Vermont is among 11 states—including New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts—that have adopted California’s ZEV standards. These rules aim to phase out gasoline-only vehicle sales by 2035. As part of the transition, 35% of light-duty vehicles sold in the 2026 model year must be zero-emission models.
Governor Scott said automakers warned they might limit gas-powered vehicle shipments to Vermont dealers because of the rules. He also noted the state’s lack of EV charging stations and the slow progress in heavy-duty vehicle technology.
“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 said.
Last month, Maryland Governor Wes Moore also delayed implementing similar rules until the 2028 model year. He cited concerns over funding for EV charging networks and potential impacts from tariffs.
Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in May to block California’s 2035 EV ban and its mandates on zero-emissions trucks. Lawmakers aim to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver granted during the Biden administration that allows California to set its own standards.
It remains uncertain when the Senate will take up the matter. California maintains that Congress cannot override the EPA waiver under fast-track procedures.
Automakers have pushed back against the strict targets. By 2035, the rules would require at least 80% of new vehicle sales to be EVs, with plug-in hybrids limited to 20%. Industry groups argue these goals are unrealistic and could force carmakers to reduce overall vehicle supply to boost the EV share.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major car manufacturers such as General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai, has warned that the mandate could lead to fewer cars on dealership lots.
California stands by its policy, stating that the rules are necessary to reduce pollution. The state also insists the federal vote to overturn the plan is not legally valid. Under California’s roadmap, EVs must make up 68% of new vehicle sales by 2030.
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