The Washington State House Transportation Committee voted 17-12 to advance legislation calling for all model year 2030 or later passenger and light-duty vehicles sold in the state to be electric vehicles (EVs). Clean Cars 2030 (HB 1204) sets the first state-legislated 2030 phaseout target for automotive combustion engines in the country. The bill provides that, starting with model-year 2030, all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds sold or registered in the state must be electric. Model-year 2029 and earlier ICE cars can still be sold and registered in Washington. Emergency vehicles are excluded from the requirements. Electric vehicles are defined as “vehicles that use energy stored in rechargeable battery packs or in hydrogen that rely solely on electric motors for propulsion.” Under the bill, the Utilities and Transportation Commission must develop a scoping plan by 1 September 2023 for the requirement that all model year 2030 or later passenger and […]