Donald Trump, 45th and 47th President of the United States | X
Donald Trump, 45th and 47th President of the United States | X
10 car dealerships in Vermont oppose the state’s electric vehicle (EV) mandates.
That’s according to EV Voice of the Customer, which announced that the dealerships signed a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to block EV mandates imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The letter, signed by thousands of auto dealers nationwide, argues that government-imposed EV sales requirements are unrealistic and restrict consumer choice. "We are more than happy to sell EVs to any customer who wants to buy them," the letter states. "But these buyers are the exception."
Vermont has adopted California’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, which mandates that starting with the 2026 model year, automobile manufacturers must increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) delivered for sale in the state. The policy aims for 100% ZEV sales by 2035, according to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
Dealerships argue that these policies create unnecessary financial burdens for consumers and businesses. "Simply put, CARB’s mandate is unrealistic," the letter continues. "Let the consumer decide and a free market reign."
As of 2021, Vermont had approximately 5,000 registered electric vehicles, accounting for less than 1% of all vehicles in the state, according to VT Digger. In the same year, 5.1% of new vehicle registrations were electric. To meet the state’s emission reduction goals, EV registrations must surpass 15% by 2025 and reach 68% by 2030.
Despite Vermont’s incentives and efforts to promote EV adoption, challenges persist. Factors such as limited availability of EV models, higher upfront costs, and concerns about battery performance in cold weather have contributed to slower-than-expected growth in EV sales. Additionally, the scarcity of public charging infrastructure, especially fast chargers in rural areas, has deterred potential buyers, according to Energy Action Network.
Vermont leads the nation in EV chargers per capita, with approximately 400 public charging stations as of 2023, according to Vermont Public. However, large portions of the state still lack adequate charging infrastructure, posing challenges for widespread EV adoption. This disparity raises concerns about the feasibility of rapid electrification, particularly in rural areas.
CARB, the agency responsible for implementing the mandate, was established in 1967 to regulate air quality in California. Over the years, its policies have influenced national and state-level environmental regulations, including those in Vermont. Despite opposition from auto dealers and some lawmakers, state officials maintain that the mandate is necessary to combat climate change and reduce emissions.
Vermont Dealerships That Signed the Letter:
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