California has long been considered America’s leading supporter of electric vehicles. The state adopted environmental standards earlier than others, built charging stations, and promised to transform the automobile market completely. But a new survey shows that most residents are not ready to give up the option of buying new gasoline-powered vehicles.
According to a July survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, 66% of adult residents oppose Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to end sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. Only about one-third support the initiative. The study included 1,578 California residents and was conducted in English and Spanish from June 29 through July 6, 2026.
Just a few years ago, public opinion was almost evenly divided. In 2021, 49% supported the initiative and the same percentage opposed it. Support fell to 45% in 2023 and only 35% in 2025. Now, approximately two-thirds of Californians oppose the plan. This is no longer a minor shift in public opinion. It represents a significant change in how residents view the policy.
The change among Democrats is particularly revealing. In 2021, only 31% of Democratic voters opposed the plan. Today, that figure has reached 50%. Opposition among independent voters has increased from 56% to 69%. Republicans are almost unanimously against the initiative.
The automobile debate is no longer simply a disagreement between Democrats and Republicans. Even many voters who support environmental policies do not want the government to eliminate consumer choice.
The Rule Applies Only to New Vehicles
The policy is often described as a ban on gasoline-powered cars, but that is a simplified explanation. California does not plan to prohibit residents from owning vehicles they have already purchased, driving them, or selling them on the used car market.
In 2020, Gavin Newsom signed an executive order establishing a goal that all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the state meet zero-emission vehicle standards by 2035. In 2022, the California Air Resources Board approved the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations.
The requirements apply only to new vehicle sales. Gasoline-powered vehicles purchased before 2035 will still be allowed on the road. Consumers will also be able to buy and sell used gasoline-powered vehicles. In addition to fully electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, the regulations allow a certain percentage of plug-in hybrids.
For the average buyer, however, the distinction between a complete ban and the end of new gasoline-powered vehicle sales may not seem particularly significant. Anyone who wants to purchase a new vehicle after 2035 would have to select a model that meets the state’s environmental requirements.
Why Residents Have Changed Their Minds
The cost of living remains the central concern. Californians are dealing with expensive housing, rising insurance premiums, high grocery prices, and growing utility bills. In this environment, a car is viewed primarily as a major household purchase, not as a symbol of environmental responsibility.
For many drivers, an electric vehicle still does not appear to be the more affordable option. Even if charging costs less than gasoline, buyers remain concerned about the initial price, insurance premiums, potential battery replacement, and depreciation on the used car market.
Renters face another challenge. A homeowner may be able to install a charging unit in the garage and charge a vehicle overnight. Someone living in an apartment building may not have that option. The driver must find a public charging station, wait for an available charger, and pay commercial charging rates.
Residents of rural communities, drivers with long daily commutes, small business owners, and families traveling with children also face practical challenges. Driving range, charging time, and access to charging infrastructure matter in their everyday lives.
Opposition to the mandate should not automatically be interpreted as opposition to environmental protection. Many Californians support cleaner air and lower emissions but still want to decide which vehicle best fits their budget and lifestyle.
Interest in Electric Vehicles Is Declining
Five years ago, approximately half of California residents said they had seriously considered purchasing an electric vehicle. Today, only about one-third are considering one for their next purchase or lease.
The expiration of the federal tax credit has affected consumer decisions. Eligible buyers were previously able to receive as much as $7,500 when purchasing a qualifying electric vehicle. Without that incentive, the price difference between electric and gasoline-powered cars has become more noticeable.
Rising electricity rates have also weakened one of the strongest arguments in favor of electric vehicles. Consumers were once promised substantial fuel savings. But when a driver relies on expensive public charging stations or charges during peak-rate hours, the expected savings may be considerably smaller.
High insurance premiums are another concern. Electric vehicles can sometimes cost more to repair after an accident because of expensive parts, complicated construction, and the limited number of specialized repair facilities. For a family calculating the monthly payment, insurance, and future expenses, these concerns may outweigh the environmental benefits.
California Introduces New Rebates
Despite the survey results, the Newsom administration continues working to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on California roads. In the summer of 2026, the state introduced the MyFirstEV program for residents purchasing or leasing their first zero-emission vehicle.
Buyers of a new electric vehicle may receive an instant discount of up to $3,500 if the manufacturer’s suggested retail price does not exceed $50,000. A discount of up to $1,750 is available for a used electric vehicle priced at $25,000 or less.
The state provides half of the discount, while a participating automaker contributes the other half. Thirteen manufacturers have joined the program. The combined public and private investment is expected to provide approximately $270 million in total savings.
The discounts will be applied directly at participating dealerships, which means buyers will not need to wait for a tax refund after filing their returns.
But even a $3,500 discount may not address the central problem. If an electric vehicle costs more than a comparable gasoline-powered model, insurance remains expensive, and home charging is unavailable, the buyer may still choose a conventional vehicle.
The new program is also intended specifically for first-time buyers of zero-emission vehicles. It is not a universal rebate available to every electric vehicle owner.
The Future of the Rules Remains Uncertain
In June 2025, President Donald Trump signed congressional resolutions intended to revoke the federal authorization that allowed California to enforce its own stricter vehicle standards.
California is challenging those actions, calling them illegal. The future of the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations therefore depends not only on decisions made by state officials but also on the continuing conflict with the federal government. California’s 2035 goal remains part of state policy, but its legal enforceability has become the subject of an ongoing dispute.
The political significance of the new survey is difficult to ignore. If two-thirds of residents oppose the mandate, future state leaders may have to reconsider the timeline and conditions or convince the public that electric vehicles will become affordable and convenient enough for most Californians.
People do not vote only for cleaner air. They also vote based on household budgets, insurance costs, time spent waiting at charging stations, and the ability to reach work without additional complications.
According to the survey, Californians are not necessarily rejecting electric vehicles. They are rejecting the idea that consumer choice should be replaced by a government requirement before infrastructure, prices, and technology are ready to meet the needs of most residents.
The question is no longer whether transportation will become cleaner. That transition has already begun. The real question is whether California can manage it in a way that allows residents to view electric vehicles as an affordable opportunity rather than an expensive decision imposed by the government.
Which vehicle would you choose after 2035 if all options remained available: electric, hybrid, or gasoline-powered?
