Race to Zero: California's bumpy road to electrify cars and trucks

California is about to undergo a transformation like none other. In less than four years, more than a third of all new cars purchased in California must be zero-emissions, and beginning with 2035 models, no new gasoline-powered cars will be sold in the nation’s most populous state.

In this series, CalMatters is examining the impacts of California’s new zero emission mandate on all segments of society and the economy. No mandate will have had such a dramatic impact on Californians’ lives and daily routines. The transformation doesn’t stop at cars: big rigs and other trucks will be electrified, too. And the state’s move to rapidly electrify all vehicles will likely spread to other states and nations.

For more than 50 years, California has led the way in cleaning up cars. Now, with the threat posed by climate change, its efforts have ramped up. The deadlines are aggressive, the transformation rapid: Under the state’s measure enacted last August, sales of electric cars will have to almost triple beginning with 2026 models, before ramping up to 100% in 2035. The cost: An estimated $30 billion.

If this mandate works as California intends, it will be an enormous step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels, cleaning the state’s dirty air and helping eliminate greenhouse gases that are causing the climate crisis. But it carries with it many uncertainties and lingering questions, including the affordability and practicality of the vehicles and the reliability of the power grid. In its “Race to Zero” series, CalMatters will hold government and industry accountable as California launches this historic journey to electrify transportation.

Part 1

Race to zero: Can California’s power grid handle a 15-fold increase in electric cars?

Part 2

Jump-starting electric car batteries: Will supply problems stall California’s mandate?

Part 3

Who buys electric cars in California — and who doesn’t?

Part 4

Facing California deadlines, automakers race to produce electric cars

Part 5

Here’s how California’s electric cars can feed the grid and help avoid outages

Part 6

Hardly anyone owns a hydrogen car. California may pay up to $300 million for fuel stations anyway

Part 7

‘Impossible’ and ‘likely to fail’? Or ‘putting lives over profits’? Behind California’s battle to electrify trucks

Part 8

California phases out diesel trucks: What happens next?

Part 9

Going electric: California car mandate would hit mechanics hard

Part 10

Can Californians afford electric cars? Wait lists for rebates are long and some programs have shut down 

Part 11

California phases out new gas cars — so what’s next for electric cars?

Part 12

This county is California’s harshest charging ‘desert’ for electric cars. Local activists want to change that 

Part 13

California needs a million EV charging stations — but that’s ‘unlikely’ and ‘unrealistic’

Part 14

In nationwide first, California plans to rev up sales of electric motorcycles