West NY News

Toyota New York has raised concerns over New York's adoption of California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule, which mandates a shift to 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. The company argues that this transition disregards consumer demand and could impact dealership profitability. This position was articulated in a letter dated December 11, 2024.

In December 2022, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) implemented the ACC II regulation. This policy requires all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the state to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035. The regulation sets incremental targets starting with 35% ZEV sales for the 2026 model year, gradually increasing until reaching full compliance by 2035.

According to data reviewed by the Greater Automobile Dealers Association of NY, as of early 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) represent approximately 8% to 10% of new car sales in New York. The ACC II mandate necessitates a significant rise in EV adoption, with dealers expressing concern that this rapid increase does not align with current consumer demand. The New York Post reports that this could lead to higher prices for both EVs and remaining gas-powered vehicles.

The production process for electric vehicle batteries is energy-intensive and often relies on fossil fuels, resulting in notable greenhouse gas emissions. The Institute for Energy Research indicates that manufacturing an average lithium-ion battery consumes about three times more energy than producing a conventional vehicle battery. This high energy requirement during production can diminish the environmental advantages typically associated with EVs.

Toyota Motor Corporation, founded in 1937, is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer known for its reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. While Toyota has been at the forefront of hybrid technology with models like the Prius, it has adopted a more cautious stance toward fully electric vehicles. According to its website, Toyota continues to invest in various technologies such as hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells to provide diverse options catering to different consumer needs.