New York dealer says state’s EV sales rule is not practical

An approaching deadline for a key phase of New York‘s plan to become a zero-emission state is getting some pushback from dealers who contend that the benchmark isn’t realistic. 

First things first: New York is one of 12 states that have adopted some aspects of the Advanced Clean Cars II program, an initiative led by California in the push to transition to fully zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) over the next decade or so, with participating states setting different regulatory benchmarks to reach that goal. 

• Under the scope of its adoption of the program, New York is requiring that all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles by 2035.   

• The more pressing regulatory benchmark for the adoption of the initiative in New York requires that 35% of all 2026 model-year vehicles sold in New York are ZEVs.  

Between the lines: Advocates of the Advanced Clean Cars II program see it as a critical step to address growing environmental concerns. On the other hand, Andy Guelcher, owner of Mohawk Chevrolet (located in Ballston Spa, New York) contends that the state’s adoption of the initiative (specifically the 35% requirement for 2026 model-year cars) simply isn’t achievable.

The reasons?

• Mohawk’s BEV sales are stuck at 7-8%, and statewide—battery-electric vehicle market share is just under 10% according to a Q2 2024 analysis from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. That’s nowhere near what’s needed to hit the target.

• Many EV deals being done at New York dealerships like Mohawk Chevrolet are not organic, with many of the buyers having a huge amount of negative equity, average credit, at best—and needing the $7,500 federal rebate that’s currently available.

• There is a general feeling among many dealers in New York that opposition to measures like the Advanced Clean Cars II program will nullify or delay New York’s follow-through on the requirements, especially given President Trump’s position.    

New York’s dealer associations warn that inadequate charging infrastructure could also derail the targets.

Why it matters: New York’s 35% ZEV mandate forces a shift that dealers say the market isn’t ready for. And hitting the target would require a quick acceleration in consumer demand, infrastructure, and affordability—none of which are guaranteed.

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