These states want to end gas car sales for good

Gas Cars Are Running Out of Time

Imagine walking into a dealership and not seeing a single gas-powered car. That may be reality for many Americans by the next decade.

Eight states are set to ban the sale of new gas vehicles, aiming for electric cars to take over completely by 2035. The goal? Clean up the air, cut emissions, and drive into a greener future. These changes won’t affect used cars, for now, but they will shape what gets built, sold, and bought next.

California Sets the Gold Standard

California was the first to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, requiring all new cars to be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2035. The plan is now locked into state law.

To get there, the state is adding more public charging stations and giving drivers rebates for going electric. California’s moves are so influential that other states and automakers are following its lead. It’s not just a climate push, it’s a shift in how people get around.

Washington Races to 2030 Goal

Washington isn’t waiting until 2035. It’s planning to stop gas car sales five years sooner, by 2030. That’s the most aggressive timeline in the country.

This move is part of Washington’s Clean Cars 2030 law, passed in 2022. The state is also boosting public transit, upgrading the electric grid, and funding EV chargers across cities and highways.

If successful, Washington could be the first state in the nation to make new gas cars a thing of the past.

Delaware Adds Its Own Twist

Delaware is following California’s path, but it’s setting faster goals. Instead of waiting for 2035, Delaware aims for 80% of new cars to be electric or hybrids by 2032.

This shorter timeline puts extra pressure on carmakers and state infrastructure. To support the change, Delaware is rolling out more charging stations and offering purchase incentives. The state is also focusing on making EV ownership easier for everyone, not just early adopters.

Oregon’s Quiet Revolution

In 2022, Oregon adopted California’s 2035 gas car ban with little fanfare. But behind the scenes, the state was already preparing.

With over 50,000 EVs on the road, Oregon is ahead of the curve. Officials are focused on cutting transportation emissions, which are the biggest source of pollution in the state. Charging stations are going up in rural areas, not just cities, making EVs easier to own.

New Jersey Picks Up Speed

New Jersey wants nearly half of new vehicles sold by 2027 to be electric. That’s 43% in just a few years, a serious jump from today’s numbers.

It’s already past 12%, with over 120,000 EVs cruising through towns and highways. The state used Section 177 of the Clean Air Act to adopt California’s rules. To help drivers make the switch, New Jersey is expanding rebates and fast-charging access.

New York Shifts Into High Gear

New York signed a law that bans new gas car sales by 2035. The plan also includes a milestone: 35% of new vehicles should be electric within the first two years.

It’s not just about rules; New York is changing how dealerships work. EVs are taking up more space on the lot, and new buyers are showing serious interest. Cities like New York City are investing heavily in curbside chargers.

Massachusetts Goes Tech-Savvy

Massachusetts is using its tech-driven mindset to drive the EV shift. The state has set clear targets for 2025 and 2030 to get closer to its 2035 gas car ban.

Incentives for EV buyers are already in place, and charging projects are underway in both cities and suburbs. Public-private partnerships are funding innovation, while schools and universities are running clean energy programs.

Rhode Island Goes All In

Rhode Island may be tiny, but it’s thinking big. It’s fully committed to banning new gas cars by 2035 and is investing heavily in EV infrastructure.

Public charging stations are being added in parks, neighborhoods, and public buildings. State officials have made it clear: transportation is the top polluter in Rhode Island, and switching to electric is the only real fix.

Vermont Plans Early Wins

Vermont has set a 2035 goal like many others, but it’s already reaching toward it. The state expects 35% of new cars to be electric by 2026.

It’s ahead thanks to statewide policies that make EVs affordable and accessible, especially in rural areas. With a strong focus on sustainability, Vermont is building a cleaner future one driver at a time. Local programs help people trade in old gas cars for cleaner models.

New Mexico Targets Trucks Too

New Mexico took things a step further by adopting the Advanced Clean Trucks rule. That means delivery vans and big trucks also face stricter emission standards.

It’s not just about passenger cars; New Mexico wants cleaner air across the board. Even though it hasn’t banned gas cars entirely, the message is clear: the future is electric. New Mexico is helping businesses upgrade fleets and working to expand public charging for larger vehicles.

Colorado Keeps It Flexible

Colorado isn’t banning gas cars outright, but it’s demanding big changes. The state wants 82% of all new car sales to be electric by 2032.

It’s allowing hybrids and offering tax breaks to nudge drivers toward electric options. The approach gives people time to adjust while still pushing hard toward lower emissions. Colorado’s Clean Cars Standard was passed in 2023 and is already changing how automakers plan their inventory.

D.C. Draws a Line at 2035

Washington, D.C., is phasing out new gas-powered car sales by 2035, putting the focus on public health and sustainability. Officials say this is key to meeting climate goals.

The city is electrifying public fleets and adding more charging stations in residential neighborhoods. D.C. wants to make EVs the easy choice for everyday drivers. By leading by example, through government fleets and transit, D.C. hopes residents will follow.

Hawaii Charts Its Own Course

Hawaii hasn’t banned gas cars yet, but it’s taking strong action. The goal is 100% zero-emission public transportation by 2035.

By 2045, the state wants all transportation to be electric or hydrogen-powered. Hawaii offers rebates for EVs and chargers, and new buildings must be EV-ready. It already has one of the highest per-capita rates of EV ownership in the U.S., second only to California.

Curious what’s slowing down EV progress in other states? Check out why 17 states are now suing over a charger funding freeze.

Used Cars Are Still in the Picture

Bans on new gas cars won’t stop you from buying or driving a used one. The rules only apply to brand-new vehicles.

That means your current gas car isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Used car sales will continue, and gas stations will still be around, for now. The hope is that as more people try EVs, they’ll want to stick with them. But for those not ready to switch, there’s still time.

Wondering what could stall EV momentum? See why a tax credit change might send sales into a tailspin.

Are you ready to go electric? Drop your thoughts below and give this a like.

Read More From This Brand:

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• Congress Moves Closer to Ending the $7,500 EV Tax Credit

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.