In this case, the transformation of our roadways to cleaner EVs.
Yesterday, California announced that by 2035 the state will ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.
For some, that seems like a terrifying prospect.
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For others, its a welcome piece of regulation.
Lets talk about how you should be part of that second group.
Sure it would make for some outstanding reality television.
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But thats not what the rule says or will do.
Instead, the rule says that all NEW cars sold in the state need to be electric.
The rule also allows for the sale of used gas-powered cars.
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The used car lot down the street, itll be fine.
The used section of the dealership will also be fine.
If you have a 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet and you want to sell it, go ahead.
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Gas cars will still exist at that moment.
In fact a gas car thats on the road right now will probably still be zipping around.
Manufacturing has become incredibly efficient and the result is that cars last longer than they used to.
Actually, in the terms of EVs, its not.
You know, the car that made EVs cool to own.
Now we have over two dozen electric vehicles available for purchase and that number will only increase every year.
Automakers are cool with it; you should be too.
Meanwhile, EVs now account for over five percent of new car sales.
That number will continue to grow especially as supply issues are dealt with.
It turns out, that more people want to buy EVs than are available.
Dont believe me, try buying a Hyundai Ioniq 5 right now.
Even Hyundais site notes Extremely Limited Availability for anyone trying to research and buy the vehicle.
Over the next 12 years, multiple EVs will be available from nearly every automaker.
Some automakers, like Volkswagen, will be completely electric by then.
The Rest of the World
The California news is a big deal in the United States.
The reality is other countries have already started down this road.
In the European Union, lawmakers havealready voted to banthe sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
Some automakers are actually supportive of the ban.
Theres one thing the automotive industry hates and thats uncertainty.
It also benefits these automakers if these upcoming regulations regarding new car sales happen at essentially the same time.
Change is Scary
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EVs are cool.
But also change is scary and if the ban happened today, it would be a mess.
Fortunately, we have 12 years to get it right.
In the EV world, a lot can happen in 12 years.
Or that there would be about million think pieces about road-trip charging.
So relax, no one is coming to take your gas car.
Theres still a lot of work to be done ahead of 2035, but were on the right track.
Remember the shade thrown at cell phone owners before we all decided to put tiny computers in our pockets?
Thats whats going to happen to EVs.
See, when its put that way, maybe 2035 couldnt come soon enough.
