Electric vehicles are quickly becoming the new standard in the United States. More than a dozen states are now setting firm deadlines to stop the sale of new gas-powered cars, which is already changing how dealerships operate and how transportation policies are written. Some states directly follow California’s aggressive zero-emissions plan, while others are creating their own versions at a slower pace.
This shift affects carmakers, government officials, and everyday drivers, who are still getting used to the idea. Still, the overall direction is clear: gas engines are being phased out, and the age of electric vehicles is taking over. Here’s what each state is doing to make that transition.
California
Lawmakers approved the Advanced Clean Cars II rule in 2022, and it’s now locked into state policy. By 2035, dealerships in California must sell only fuel-free new vehicles. The law builds on decades of environmental regulations that the state pioneered. In response, automakers have already expanded EV lines to meet the phased goals.
Washington
Wildfire smoke choked the skies across Washington in 2020, and that finally pushed lawmakers to take direct action. They passed a bill setting 2035 as the deadline to end sales of new combustible cars. Transportation makes up nearly half of Washington’s emissions, so this wasn’t just symbolic.
New Jersey
Emissions from transportation remain one of the biggest climate challenges in New Jersey, so the state took a direct approach. It rolled out generous rebates—up to $4,000 for eligible electric vehicle purchases—and began modernizing the power grid to handle growing demand. Manufacturers, too, adjusted quickly by expanding their electric lineups and training staff to support new buyers.
New York
Governor Hochul gave state agencies the go-ahead to start phasing out fuel-powered vehicles and set 2035 as the deadline for new deals. That directive quickly became law, and dealerships started shifting their inventories to match. Electric cars now account for a larger share of new registrations each year. The state also backed major charging projects in both cities and rural areas.
New Mexico
The Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks rules are both in effect in New Mexico. Though the state doesn’t use the word “ban,” compliance requirements are mandatory, and penalties apply for manufacturers who fail to meet annual targets.
Massachusetts
Unlike most states, Massachusetts didn’t need to debate a new law—it had one waiting. Its environmental “trigger law” automatically applies California’s vehicle rules as soon as they’re enforced. That means the gas vehicle sales ban went into effect the moment California finalized its version. The state now funds rebates, builds chargers, and trains workers for EV service and repair.
Maryland
Concerns over public health played a major role in Maryland’s decision to ensure firm vehicle regulations. Government officials linked air pollution from cars and trucks to high rates of respiratory illness and estimated that related health issues cost over $40 million each year in lost productivity.
Rhode Island
Transportation has long been Rhode Island’s top source of greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for over 40% of the state’s total output. Aging infrastructure and limited public transit options only added to the challenge. Implementing the zero-emission vehicle policy signaled a major shift in direction. Lawmakers tied the move to the Act on Climate, which sets inflexible reduction targets.
Vermont
Meeting clean objectives hasn’t been simple in Vermont, since winter conditions and long driving distances raise real concerns. Some residents have questioned how reliable electric engines will be in colder months, and others worry about limited charging access outside of town centers. Still, support for the transition is growing, especially as incentives increase.
Delaware
Clean vehicle policy in Delaware now follows California’s stricter measures by bringing higher expectations for automakers and dealerships. The Department of Natural Resources oversees enforcement, while state energy offices work to improve station coverage at home and in public spaces.
Pennsylvania
Work is still underway to finalize the full legal framework for zero emissions in Pennsylvania, but planning hasn’t slowed in the meantime. State agencies are already partnering with utilities and regional planners to prepare the grid and infrastructure. Pilot programs also support fleet electrification to encourage complete adherence.
Oregon
State officials want to get as close to decarbonization as possible, and they’re tracking progress carefully. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality publishes regular reports showing where EV adoption is growing and where it’s falling behind. In Portland, transactions jumped after the law was passed. But in rural parts of the state, the numbers still lag. To help close that gap, Oregon offers rebates for lower-income buyers.
Virginia
Virginia initially adopted the 2035 ban under Advanced Clean Cars II, but faced efforts to repeal the policy after a shift in political leadership. Despite those attempts, the rule remains in place. The Department of Environmental Quality continues overseeing implementation, and planning for expanded charging access is underway.
Nevada
The shift away from gas-powered motors in Nevada is backed by penalties for falling short. Automakers must meet annual climate-neutral targets, and those that don’t can face fines. Oversight falls to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, which tracks compliance closely. Alongside enforcement, the state is investing in rural grid readiness and workforce training to support long-term application.
Minnesota
Stricter vehicle policies sparked plenty of debate in Minnesota, but the state moved forward anyway, becoming the first in the Midwest to align with California’s model back in 2021. Despite pushback from some lawmakers and industry groups, the regulations remain in place. Now, attention has shifted to implementation.