Colorado Mandates 82% Electric Vehicle Sales by 2032
In an unprecedented move, Colorado has fortified its commitment to a greener future by renewing and expanding its mandate for electric vehicles (EVs). The state has passed a significant requirement that mandates a staggering 82% of new cars on dealer lots to be EVs by 2032. This ambitious target highlights Colorado’s determination to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable transportation, setting an example for other states to follow in their stride toward environmental preservation.
The recent vote reaffirmed Colorado’s commitment to green initiatives, coinciding with encouraging data from the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association. The association reported a rise in the popularity of ultra-low emissions vehicles, accounting for 17% of the new car and light truck market in the third quarter of 2023. This considerable market share of eco-friendly vehicles fuels optimism that the ambitious mandate is achievable, further reinforcing the state’s progressive stance on sustainable transportation.
The Colorado Clean Cars standard
The Air Quality Control Commission has given the green light to a commendable proposal referred to as the “Colorado Clean Cars standard.” This essentially embraces California’s stringent regulations, necessitating automotive manufacturers to drastically enhance their range of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles commencing from the 2027 model year. Existing mandates promoting clean cars in Colorado are set to expire in 2025, with the current dealer inventory in EVs established at 25%. The adoption of these new measures underlines Colorado’s unwavering pursuit of sustainable and clean transportation, leaving no stone unturned in its quest to cut carbon emissions and foster a greener future.
Environmental groups and state energy officials have welcomed the move to establish percentages that include targets of 51% of sales in 2028 and 68% in 2030. This bold step is seen as a significant step forward in combating climate change and advancing towards renewable energy. However, many believe the Air Quality Control Commission could take more stringent measures. They urge the AQCC to adopt California’s nation-leading clean car standard in its entirety, which stipulates a 100% EV market by the year 2035. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, these advocates argue for more aggressive action to expedite the transition to electric vehicles.
A market dominated by over 80% would drown out competition
According to Colorado energy and electrification officials, a market dominated by over 80% of any one drivetrain virtually guarantees a transition to all-electric or other clean fuels like hydrogen. This is grounded in the theory of market inertia, where a significant majority adopting one technology inevitably leads the minority to align due to the benefits of standardization, convenience, and support infrastructure. In this context, once electric vehicles or another clean tech reach this 80% threshold, the remaining gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles would find it increasingly difficult to compete, accelerating the shift towards a fully clean-energy vehicle market. It underscores the belief held by many that a sustainable, carbon-neutral transportation future is not only feasible but also imminent.
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is satisfied with this initiative
The newly introduced clean cars rule also stipulates stricter emission standards for new fossil fuel-powered cars to mitigate volatile organic compounds and other forms of pollution contributing to Colorado’s Front Range ozone violations. This proactive measure demonstrates a concerted effort to address both global and localized environmental concerns. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has expressed its satisfaction with this initiative. The EDF was particularly enthusiastic about the AQCC’s directive to its staff to develop a plan extending the new clean car mandates through 2035. This extension further solidifies the commitment to environmental sustainability and continues the progress towards a fully clean-energy vehicle market.
Colorado is the ninth state to adopt the second phase of California’s clean car rules, the first in the Mountain West
According to the EDF, Colorado is the ninth state to adopt the second phase of California’s clean car rules, distinguishing itself as the first in the Mountain West. Colorado has previously announced ambitious greenhouse gas emissions goals which hinge on nearly a million electric vehicles on its roads by 2030. Will Toor, Colorado Energy Office Executive Director, assures that the state is on track to meet these targets. The recent auto dealers’ quarterly new sales report further attests to this trend, showcasing that combined sales of EVs and PHEVs (vehicles possessing both a gasoline engine and a plug-in battery pack) account for 17% of total sales in the latest period.
“That amounts to 9,446 new clean vehicles on the road in the third quarter,” said Matthew Groves, CEO of the dealer association.
