Nearly 20% of new cars sold in California in 2022 will be electric or hybrid, a U.S. state, the nation’s leading auto market that wants to be at the forefront of the energy transition, said on Friday, January 20. In August, the state regulator announced a ban from 2035 on the sale of new diesel or petrol vehicles. “California continues to lead the way in zero-emission vehicles through forward-thinking policies and investments that drive innovation,” said Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.
On Friday, the California Energy Commission said 18.8% of new cars sold in 2022 were electric, hybrid or fuel cell. Ten years ago it was 2%. Only the Tesla brand, led by Elon Musk, receives two-thirds of these sales.
$7,500 federal aid
California accounts for 40% of sales of this type of vehicle in the US, which is growing rapidly in market share. The largest American manufacturers are now represented there, including models adapted to the local market, such as electric pickups. But EVs remain more expensive than combustion-engine cars, and only up to $7,500 in federal aid allows many buyers to afford them.