Climate change is real, prompting a big push to get more people buying and driving an EV. Governments are working to make that happen, from issuing tax credits and rebates on EVs to outright banning gas-powered cars. That’s exactly why New York recently outlawed the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.

What New York has done to encourage EVs

In terms of states that love EVs, California is arguably the undisputed champ. But New York might be the second-best state for EV customers. This is because, like California, New York offers consumers an extra rebate. This is in addition to the $7,500 federal tax credit on certain all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. New York’s rebate is worth up to $2,000. So EV buyers in New York can get what amounts to a hefty discount on their EV purchase.

Not only that, but New York has also invested in improving its charging infrastructure. It’s not perfect, but with enough money, it can improve. New York has gotten serious about EVs in other ways too. For example, EVs as fleet vehicles is becoming a reality.

However, the state recently took a bigger step in encouraging EVs by banning sales of new gas-powered cars after 2034.

New York bans the sale of new gas-powered cars

According to Ars Technica, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed a bill to ban the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles, including gas-powered cars, starting in 2035. After 2034, all new car sales must be ZEVs — zero-emission vehicles. ZEVs include EVs and other less common eco-friendly cars. 

This is all part of New York’s plan to cut its carbon emissions by 35%, as well as its goal to cut its carbon emissions to 85% of 1990 levels. That said, like California, New York’s plan will proceed in phases. 2035 will be the deadline for most cars that motorists drive today. However, 2045 will be the deadline for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, Ars Technica reports.

In addition, the rules become more lenient the bigger they are. According to Ars Technica, the ZEV requirement will apply “where feasible,” and that might or might not include large construction equipment. But with electric pickup trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning on the horizon, exceptions might be few.

New York is not alone in its push for EVs and other ZEVs

Creating the necessary EV infrastructure will be a challenge, but that’s the point with the bill Governor Hochul signed, Ars Technica reports. The bill also mandates that New York state agencies create market-development strategies by the end of 2022. Those strategies will probably include significantly improving New York’s charging infrastructure in time for the switch.

Charging infrastructure isn’t free, but that’s where the government comes in. If President Biden’s infrastructure bill becomes law, billions will be available for New York and other states and entities to fund their charging infrastructure. In addition, New York isn’t the first state to ban gas-powered cars. Ars Technica notes that California set a similar deadline last year, and Massachusetts recently joined. 

This has place pressure on automakers to develop plans and strategies to electrify their lineups. Indeed, that’s exactly what’s happening. Now, many manufacturers plan to phase out gas-powered cars by 2030. So New York’s 2035 deadline might actually be a bit more conservative than reality.