The state of Colorado has just voted to approve new electric vehicle standards that promote cleaner air quality and sustainable mobility.
The new standards include wider adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by this decade. For context, it consists of battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel-cell electric models.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the state aims to hit one million ZEV registrations by 2030.
Colorado Clean Cars Standard
The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission officially approved the Colorado Clean Cars standard on October 20, 2023.
The standard calls for higher ZEV sales in the state starting in 2027. It also aims to have ZEVs account for 82% of the light-duty trucks and passenger vehicle sales in the 2032 model year.
Colorado claims that the standard primarily aims to lower the transportation sector’s air pollution and greenhouse gases.
“Colorado is already among the states with the highest concentration of electric vehicles, and we don’t plan on hitting the brakes any time soon. Coloradans want low- and zero-emissions vehicles because they help them get where they’re going while breathing cleaner air and saving money. This standard will make clean vehicles more accessible across the state and improve air quality in local communities overburdened by pollution from busy roadways.”
Michael Ogletree, Air Pollution Control Division Director
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measures
Colorado’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measures introduced this year require the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Moreover, it targets to reach carbon neutrality by 2025.
“Ramping up production of low- and zero-emissions vehicles is one of Colorado’s many clean transportation solutions. Colorado is a proud climate leader. Cleaning up the transportation sector – one of the state’s largest air pollution sources – is essential to meeting our ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals and protecting clean air for all.”
Trisha Oeth, CDPHE’s Director of Environmental Health and Protection
Government support
The CDPHE clarified that the state has no plans to ban new sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, CBS News indicated.
It asserted that it will only boost support for cleaner ZEV models by offering direct funding, tax credits, and grant programs such as the following:
- The Vehicle Exchange Colorado Program for income-qualified former ICE vehicle owners aiming to switch to EVs
- EV Fast Charging Corridors for fast-charging network development at 34 sites across highways and interstates
- The Local Government Electric Vehicle Readiness Planning program for local governments’ electrification initiatives.
Colorado’s 2032 target of 82% ZEV sales demonstrates its commitment to decarbonize the transportation sector and ensure more sustainable mobility. However, it falls short of California’s 2025 target of reaching 100% new EV sales. Nonetheless, it may be the start of the state’s intensified efforts toward wider ZEV adoption.
