New Jersey Faces Resistance in Moving Towards Electric Vehicle Future by 2035
Newark, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy’s initiative to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars in New Jersey by 2035 encounters significant skepticism among residents. According to the latest figures, a whopping 92% of New Jerseyans are hesitant about transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) within the proposed timeframe.
The state’s ambitious plan to shift all new car sales to electric by 2035, beginning with preliminary steps in 2026, is designed to combat environmental challenges and promote sustainable transport methods. This policy, as confirmed by an official in Governor Murphy’s office, is part of a broader strategy to embrace cleaner energy sources.
In a move to formalize this transition, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will introduce the “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulation. This regulation, set to be filed on Tuesday, mandates that starting with the 2027 model year, car manufacturers must adhere to specific EV quotas, initiating a gradual phasing out of combustion-engine vehicles.
Despite the state’s resolve, public acceptance remains low. As of December 2022, EVs constituted only 8% of new vehicle registrations in New Jersey, with electric vehicles making up about 1.8% of the state’s light-duty vehicle population. This is in stark contrast to the over 6 million registered drivers and more than 123,000 electric vehicles in New Jersey.
State officials are optimistic about the benefits of this shift, highlighting the potential for improved public health and economic growth through the attraction of EV manufacturers and the expansion of the electric vehicle infrastructure, notably the increase in EV charging stations. The “Advanced Clean Cars II” initiative symbolizes a pivotal move towards achieving New Jersey’s environmental objectives, despite the current lack of readiness among its populace.