Analysis: 127 Massachusetts car dealerships oppose electric vehicle mandates

127 car dealerships in Massachusetts 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.”

California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule mandates that 100% of new passenger vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035, with interim targets starting at 35% ZEV sales for the 2026 model year. As of December 2023, Massachusetts is one of 12 states that have adopted these standards, collectively influencing a significant portion of the U.S. auto market. Critics argue that allowing an unelected board in California to dictate vehicle policy nationwide undermines consumer choice and free-market competition, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

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.”

Despite government incentives and subsidies, EVs accounted for only 8.1% of total new car sales in the U.S. in 2024, according to AP News. The report indicates that a significant majority of consumers still prefer internal combustion engine vehicles, citing higher upfront costs, limited driving range, and insufficient charging infrastructure as major barriers to adoption.

The financial gap between gas-powered and electric vehicles remains a challenge for many consumers. Edmunds reports that the average manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a fully electric compact SUV was $53,048, compared to $35,722 for a gas-powered compact SUV. Additionally, one-third of U.S. households lack access to at-home charging, particularly in urban and rural areas. The U.S. would need to quadruple its charging infrastructure by 2030 to meet projected demand.

Massachusetts truck dealers have also expressed concerns that the demand for EVs does not justify the state’s mandate. According to Supply Chain Brain, they argue that current EV range and charging infrastructure are inadequate to meet the needs of the trucking industry, potentially leading to operational challenges.

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 Massachusetts. Despite opposition from auto dealers and some lawmakers, state officials maintain that the mandate is necessary to combat climate change and reduce emissions.

Massachusetts Dealerships That Signed the Letter: