California’s push to end gas-powered car sales meets fresh public skepticism

Californians rethink the EV deadline

California has spent years encouraging drivers to choose electric vehicles, but a new poll suggests many residents are not fully on board with the state’s 2035 vehicle-sales standards. Those rules would require all new passenger cars and light trucks to qualify as zero-emission vehicles, although a limited share could be qualifying plug-in hybrids.

A July 2026 survey from the Public Policy Institute of California found that 66% of adults oppose the 2035 policy, up from 49% in 2021. In separate questions, 63% called household energy costs a major problem, while only 20% were very or extremely confident that California would build enough EV charging infrastructure.

Support has dropped across party lines

The latest survey shows opposition to California’s 2035 vehicle sales goal has increased among voters from every major political group. While Republicans remain the strongest opponents, support has also weakened among independents and Democrats compared with earlier surveys.

Among Republicans, 91% opposed the policy. Opposition reached 69% among independents and climbed to 50% among Democrats. Overall statewide opposition rose from 49% in 2021 to 66% in 2026, showing that opinions have changed well beyond one political party.

EV interest has cooled since 2023

Fewer Californians now say they are thinking about buying or leasing an electric vehicle than they did just a few years ago. The change comes as many shoppers continue weighing purchase prices, charging convenience, and everyday driving needs before making a decision.

In the July 2026 survey, 33% said they had seriously considered an EV for their next vehicle. That is down from 50% in July 2023. At the same time, EV ownership increased from 8% to 12%, while more than half of adults said they had not seriously considered an electric vehicle.

Federal EV tax credits have ended

Buying an electric vehicle became more expensive for many Americans after federal consumer tax credits expired for qualifying purchases made after Sept. 30, 2025. Before that deadline, eligible buyers could receive thousands of dollars toward the cost of a new or used clean vehicle.

The federal program offered credits of up to $7,500 for qualifying new EVs and up to $4,000 for eligible used models. California has since introduced its own rebate program for first-time zero-emission vehicle buyers, with discounts expected to begin later in 2026.

Energy costs shape the conversation

Electric vehicles can reduce fuel expenses for many drivers, but California’s higher electricity prices remain an important part of the discussion. Charging costs depend on where drivers charge, the time of day, their utility plan, and the type of vehicle they own.

Many Californians are also feeling pressure from rising household energy bills. In the 2026 PPIC survey, 63% described combined gasoline, natural gas, and electricity costs as a major problem.

Federal energy guidance still says electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline, though California’s higher rates can reduce those savings for some drivers.

Clean power goals come with tradeoffs

California is working toward a cleaner electric grid through SB 100, which calls for 60% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon-free electricity by 2045. Reaching those goals requires major investments in power plants, battery storage, transmission lines, and grid reliability.

Many of those upgrades are paid for over time through customer utility bills. At the same time, wildfire costs, greenhouse gas programs, and other expenses also affect electricity rates. Even so, the July 2026 PPIC survey found that 62% of adults still support California’s long-term clean electricity goal.

Climate policies remain a mixed issue

California’s environmental policies continue to receive broad support, but many residents also worry about the cost of living. The latest polling shows that people often separate their views on clean energy from their opinions about the state’s 2035 gas car sales target.

In July 2026, 55% of California adults said stricter environmental regulations are worth the cost. Meanwhile, 43% felt those rules cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. The results suggest many voters support environmental action while also expecting leaders to keep energy and transportation costs affordable.

Fuel prices still influence drivers

California drivers continue paying some of the highest gasoline prices in the nation. High fuel costs can make electric vehicles more attractive for some households, but the total cost of ownership still depends on electricity prices, charging habits, and the type of vehicle being driven.

The PPIC survey found that 63% of Californians see current gasoline prices as a major problem. Experts also note that charging at home usually costs less than using public fast chargers, giving drivers more opportunities to save if they have access to convenient home charging.

Fun fact: California has more public and shared EV charging ports than gasoline nozzles statewide.

California launches new EV rebates

State leaders are trying to make electric vehicles more affordable after federal tax credits ended. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 168 in July 2026, creating a new instant rebate program aimed at helping first-time buyers purchase qualifying zero-emission vehicles.

The program provides a $3,500 discount on eligible new vehicles priced at $50,000 or less. California committed $135.5 million toward the effort, while participating automakers are expected to match that amount. Buyers will receive the savings directly at participating dealerships once the program begins.

Used EV buyers get help too

California’s new incentive program is not limited to brand-new vehicles. It also provides rebates for qualifying used electric vehicles sold through participating manufacturers’ pre-owned vehicle programs, giving budget-conscious shoppers another option when considering a move away from gasoline-powered cars.

Eligible Californians buying their first zero-emission vehicle can receive a $1,750 instant rebate on a qualifying used EV priced at $25,000 or less. Participating automakers will match the state-funded incentive. CARB is overseeing the program, with additional details about availability and access expected in August 2026.

California’s EV fleet keeps growing

Even as public opinion shifts, electric vehicles continue gaining ground on California roads. State data show millions of zero-emission vehicles are already registered, and new ZEV sales remain a significant share of the market despite slower growth than in the previous year.

Through Dec. 31, 2025, California had about 2.24 million registered zero-emission vehicles, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell models. More than 408,000 new zero-emission vehicles were sold during 2025, representing 22.9% of the state’s new light-duty vehicle market.

Little-known fact: California surpassed 2.5 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales in early 2026.

The debate is far from over

California’s 2035 vehicle sales goal remains one of the state’s most closely watched environmental policies. While new rebates are designed to encourage EV adoption, the legal future of the mandate is still uncertain as state and federal officials continue challenging each other’s authority.

The federal government moved in 2025 to invalidate California’s waiver for the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, and California has challenged that action in court. Until those legal questions are resolved, the state continues expanding incentives while defending its long-term clean transportation plans.

Explore why South Carolina’s approval of a new gas plant is raising questions about future electricity costs and the potential impact on ratepayers.

The road ahead remains uncertain

California’s latest polling shows many residents support cleaner energy while raising concerns about the pace and cost of moving away from gasoline-powered vehicles.

That combination is likely to keep the conversation active as lawmakers, automakers, and drivers weigh affordability alongside environmental goals.

Find out why some California drivers are accusing gas station operators of using AI-driven pricing systems and how the claims are fueling debate over fuel costs.

Do you think California should stay on track for its 2035 target, or should drivers have more time to decide when an electric vehicle makes sense for them? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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