California Air Resources Board

How California is Getting to Zero Emissions

State agencies, industry and nongovernmental organizations are working together to drive consumer demand, enact regulations, implement a suite of incentives, and focus on growing a robust charging and fueling network.

Equity and environmental justice are at the forefront as we go to zero. California's most vulnerable populations – children, older adults, the infirm, and especially lower-income households and communities of color – bear the burden of pollution and have the most to gain as transportation goes to zero emission. This is why all our work on zero-emission vehicles include unique equity and environmental justice measures that ensure these vehicles are an option for all Californians. Learn more about incentives and programs for lower-income households at Access Clean California. 

Regulations & Policies

Zero Emission Vehicle Executive Order
The Governor’s Executive Order N-79-20 established a target that 100% of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks will be zero-emission by 2035 and set similar goals for medium-duty, heavy-duty and off-road vehicles and equipment operations. 

Advanced Clean Cars II
These regulations ramp up the sales requirement for zero-emission passenger vehicles starting with the 2026 model year in order to achieve 100 percent by 2035. This is among the first binding requirement for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales in the world. Given that gasoline vehicles will continue to be on our roads for many years into the future, the regulations also tighten up the emission standards for conventional gasoline-powered cars and light trucks. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Standards
The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE or EV Charging) Standards regulation standardizes payment options for electric vehicle charging stations, making EV charging easy for all. This means drivers can charge their car without a membership, easily pay with what's in their wallet, and clearly know the costs up front. 

Clean Miles Standard
This is a requirement for transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft to curb greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicles being used on their platforms.

ZEV Funding & Incentive Program Development

Low Carbon Transportation Investments and the Air Quality Improvement Program
This is how many of California's zero emission vehicle incentive and clean mobility programs are funded such as Clean Cars 4 All, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, Financing Assistance for Low Income Consumers, Clean Mobility Options, Clean Mobility in Schools and the Sustainable Transportation Equity Project.

Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Incentivizes use of electricity and hydrogen as low carbon transportation fuels by providing opportunities for entities such as utilities, automakers and infrastructure providers to generate credits. These credits are used to benefit drivers of zero-emission vehicles and promote further use of low carbon fuels. 

Complementary Policies & Programs

Guiding Documents

ZEV Market Development Strategy
A guiding strategy that helps California collectively move forward and deliver zero-emission benefits to all Californians. It outlines how key state agencies and stakeholder groups can move together with the scale and speed required to reach the state’s zero-emission vehicle targets.

2020 Mobile Source Strategy
A guiding strategy that identifies the technology and programmatic concepts needed to meet California's criteria pollutant, greenhouse gas, and toxic air contaminant reduction goals from mobile sources.

Climate Change Scoping Plan per AB 32
This plan sets a path for the state to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045 and describes the approach California will take to achieve California's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

Reports

Assessment of ZEV Programs per SB 498
Report to the Legislature that showcases the complementary incentive, regulatory and supporting programs that support zero-emission technologies in the light-, medium-, and heavy-duty sectors.

Accessible Clean Transportation Options per SB 350
This program studies barriers low-income residents, including those in disadvantaged communities, face to access zero-emission and near zero-emission transportation and mobility options. The Barriers Report presents findings and outlines recommendations to increase access.

Local Government and Community Initiatives

Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act per SB 375
Supports the State's climate goals by helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions through coordinated transportation, housing, and land use planning.

Defining Local Government ZEV Readiness 
This page defines ZEV readiness and the local government actions that facilitate it.

Community Air Protection Program per AB 617
The program focuses on reducing exposure in communities most impacted by air pollution through air monitoring and emissions reduction programs and funding incentives.

Interagency Coordination

CA Energy Commission Clean Transportation Program
Provides funding to support innovation and accelerate the development and deployment of advanced transportation and fuel technologies.

CA Public Utilities Commission Transportation Electrification
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) plays a critical role in advancing and achieving California's zero emission transportation targets.