Analysis: 269 New York car dealerships oppose electric vehicle mandates

269 car dealerships in New York oppose the state’s electric vehicle (EV) mandates.

That’s according to EV Voice of the Customer, which announced that the dealerships signed a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to block EV mandates imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The letter, signed by thousands of auto dealers nationwide, argues that government-imposed EV sales requirements are unrealistic and restrict consumer choice. “We are more than happy to sell EVs to any customer who wants to buy them,” the letter states. “But these buyers are the exception.”

In September 2021, New York adopted zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulations requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. To achieve this goal, interim targets include 35% ZEV sales by 2026 and 68% by 2030. These measures aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality across the state, according to the governor’s office, according to ABC 7.

Dealerships argue that these policies create unnecessary financial burdens for consumers and businesses. “Simply put, CARB’s mandate is unrealistic,” the letter continues. “Let the consumer decide and a free market reign.”

A 2024 study by J.D. Power revealed that only 24% of new-vehicle shoppers are “very likely” to consider purchasing an electric vehicle, a decrease from 26% the previous year. The study highlights ongoing consumer hesitancy toward EV adoption, citing vehicle cost, charging infrastructure, and range anxiety as key concerns.

New York currently has approximately 15,623 public electric vehicle charging ports, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. While this number reflects growth, it remains insufficient to support the projected increase in EVs required by the mandate, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Auto dealerships in New York have voiced concerns that the state’s aggressive EV mandates could lead to financial strain, particularly for smaller businesses. According to Times Union, they fear that stocking a higher percentage of EVs than demand justifies may result in unsold inventory, increased operational costs, and potential job losses within the industry.

CARB, the agency responsible for implementing the mandate, was established in 1967 to regulate air quality in California. Over the years, its policies have influenced national and state-level environmental regulations, including those in New York. Despite opposition from auto dealers and some lawmakers, state officials maintain that the mandate is necessary to combat climate change and reduce emissions.

New York Dealerships That Signed the Letter: