Happy Friday! This week in mobility... California clears the way to sunset the sale of new gas vehicles in the state within the decade, and more.
Need to Know
California has long been the leader in the US for clean air regulations, pushing the automotive industry to keep up. With the tables starting to turn — automakers are increasingly amplifying their commitments to fully electric fleets — the California Air Resource Board voted on Thursday to push its efforts to the next level, phasing out gas-powered vehicles in the Golden State by 2035.
The regulation requires that by 2035, all new cars and trucks sold in the state must run exclusively on electricity or hydrogen. The change will be phased in gradually until then, including an exception for plug-in hybrids, allowing them to make up as much as 20% of new car sales even after 2035. The requirements will not ban gas vehicles from roads or halt used car sales, but it is expected to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
What’s significant about this regulation isn’t so much the move — many automakers are already heading in this direction — but the fact that California’s policies can have a considerable influence on other states and could serve as an example for the world. Several states followed California’s lead on clean air standards in the past, so we’ll have to wait to see what comes of this.
In Other News
🏛️ Regulatory. Foreign automakers are still grappling with the impact of the new EV tax credit in the US, coming out of the Inflation Reduction Act. Six states in the US Northeast have signed an agreement proposing regional clean hydrogen hubs. China's Hainan province plans to ban sales of ICE vehicles by 2030 completely. And the UK government announced it would support the rollout of 1,000 new charging points in England.
🚘 Passenger Vehicles. Roam launched its first electric mass transit bus in Kenya. STIMA and One Electric are working together to electrify the African motorcycle market.
🛴 Micromobility. Xiaomi updated its e-mobility range with its Electric Scooter 4 Pro.
⚡ Mobility Ecosystem. NIO plans to put swap stations with the ability to discharge to the grid into trial operation. XPeng revealed its 480 kW ultra-fast charger that can add 200 km of range in 5 minutes.
📍Go to Market. Canoo vehicles began deliveries for Walmart InHome in Dallas-Fort Worth. BYD is reportedly looking to build EVs in Europe.
💼 Business. Gatik is collaborating with Cummins to integrate its powertrain solution with its autonomous driving system for medium-duty trucks. Ford delayed its planned EV investment in Spain.
✨ Investment. Hyundai invested in startup BOS Semiconductors as part of its larger automotive semiconductor strategy.
Interesting Reads
Autonomous trucks continue to prove themselves in pilot projects.
While there may be more charging stations than ever, a study finds it’s still insufficient.
An article outlining four factors that will impact EV charging infrastructure requirements by 2030.