California to ban petrol-engine vehicles by 2035

In California, the nation has declared a new policy to not use petrol-engine vehicles any longer as part of its movement in fighting against climate change. The new approach requires automakers to fasten their production in making zero-emission vehicles starting in 2026 at least until sales of zero-emission cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs are permitted in the state.

Starting 2035 onwards, California will ban sales of the new gas car. However, the action does not prohibit automakers from owning, driving, or selling any cars, pickup truck, minivan, SUV including passenger vehicles that emits greenhouse gases. Motorists can still continue to drive gas-powered vehicles purchased before the 2035 deadline and will be able to purchase used gas-powered vehicles after the rules go into effect.

The California Air Resources Board plans that in 2035, 100 % of all new cars sold in the state be free of the fossil fuel emissions that are primarily responsible for global warming, up from 12 % today. It establishes interim targets, requiring that by 2026, 35 percent of new passenger vehicles sold in the state emit zero emissions. In 2030, that figure forecasted a rise of 68 %.

As reported, the new restrictions seem legitimate to be conducted as California has the largest automobile market in the United States.  When it comes to setting their own vehicle emissions standards, around 15 states including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania could have been known to follow California's lead.

According to an EV expert, Margo Oge has stated that the transition could impact United States’ evolution into producing electric vehicles.

‘’California will now be the only government in the world that mandates zero-emission vehicles" she added.  

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, petrol remains the preferred option to travel despite having EVs in the spotlight. The reasons being derives from affordable prices and convenience for the locals to manoeuvre especially now there are plenty of newly upgraded models.