California's Electric Vehicle Goals Under Threat Amid Persistent Sales Slowdown

California's electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to face obstacles, casting doubt on Governor Gavin Newsom's ambitious EV mandate. Despite efforts to promote EVs, sales remain sluggish due to factors such as high costs, charging time, and range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery unexpectedly. In 2020, shortly after a statewide power shortage prompted restrictions on EV charging, Newsom announced a plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, with regulations finalized in 2022. However, EV sales have not met expectations, and recent legislative changes further threaten the initiative. In May, Congress revoked California's waiver that previously authorized the state to enforce the gas vehicle ban and promote EV sales. The state responded with a lawsuit, but EV registration figures show continued stagnation. Between April and June 2024, approximately 100,671 EVs were registered in California, a slight increase from the first quarter but a significant decline from the previous year's second quarter. Market share for zero-emission vehicle sales also dropped to 21.6%. Despite incentives like a federal $7,500 tax credit available until September 2025 and potentia...