General Motors (GM) is actively lobbying against California’s stringent electric vehicle (EV) mandate, which requires 35% of new car sales to be EVs or plug-in hybrids by 2026. GM argues that the current market conditions, including lagging EV demand and economic concerns, make the mandate challenging to meet. The company has encouraged employees to contact senators to advocate against the mandate, emphasizing threats to affordability and consumer choice. This move has sparked a broader debate about the feasibility of California’s ambitious EV goals.
Background of California’s EV Mandate
In 2022, California introduced the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule, mandating that 35% of new car sales be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2026, increasing to 68% by 2030, and ultimately banning the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. This regulation was granted a waiver by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allowing California to set stricter emissions standards than federal regulations.
The mandate has been adopted by 11 other states, collectively representing approximately 40% of the U.S. auto market. Proponents argue that the rule is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. However, the automotive industry has expressed concerns about the feasibility of meeting these targets.
GM’s Opposition to the Mandate
GM, a member of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, has been vocal in its opposition to California’s EV mandate. The company has cited several reasons for its stance, including:
- Market Demand: Despite efforts to promote EV adoption, GM notes that EV sales have not met expectations. In the first quarter of 2025, only 20.8% of new vehicles sold in California were all-electric, with an additional 3.7% being plug-in hybrids.
- Economic Concerns: GM warns that the mandate could lead to increased vehicle prices, reduced consumer choice, and potential job losses in the automotive sector.
- Infrastructure Challenges: The company points to the lack of sufficient charging infrastructure as a barrier to widespread EV adoption.
In response to the mandate, GM has encouraged its employees to contact senators to advocate against the rule, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on affordability and consumer choice.
Industry-Wide Concerns
GM is not alone in its opposition. Other automakers and industry groups have also expressed concerns about California’s EV mandate. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major automakers including GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen, has called for a revision of the mandate to better align with market realities.
Industry representatives argue that the 35% ZEV sales target for 2026 is unattainable given current sales trends. They also warn that the mandate could lead to penalties for automakers who fail to meet the targets, further straining the industry.
Political and Legal Implications
The debate over California’s EV mandate has reached the federal level. In early 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution under the Congressional Review Act to repeal the EPA’s waiver granting California the authority to set stricter emissions standards. The resolution now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.
If the Senate approves the resolution and President Donald Trump signs it into law, California’s EV mandate could be effectively nullified. However, legal challenges are expected, and the issue may ultimately be decided by the courts.
Conclusion
General Motors’ opposition to California’s aggressive EV mandate underscores the challenges automakers face in transitioning to electric vehicles. While the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is widely supported, the feasibility of achieving such ambitious targets remains a topic of debate. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to balance environmental objectives with economic realities to ensure a sustainable and equitable transition to electric mobility.
