The U.S. federal government will bar states from allowing electric vehicles and other clean cars to use carpool lanes without meeting occupancy requirements beginning October 1, California officials said on Wednesday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that single drivers with the state’s Clean Air Vehicle decal will no longer be able to access carpool lanes or receive reduced toll rates in some areas. The incentive had been used by California and other states to encourage electric vehicle adoption.
California Department of Motor Vehicles director Steve Gordon criticized the move, saying, “By taking away this program, hundreds of thousands of California’s drivers will pay the price. It’s a lose-lose and we urge the federal government to retain this program. This is a great program for climate-conscious Californians.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation said Congress in 2021 under President Joe Biden opted not to extend the program’s deadline. The department added that it is “working with industry stakeholders to develop policy priorities that best speak to the needs of working-class Americans.”
The decision follows other measures taken under former President Donald Trump, including legislation signed in July ending the $7,500 federal tax credit for new electric vehicles and a $4,000 credit for used EVs starting September 30. Trump’s administration also signaled in July that automakers would face no fines for failing to meet fuel efficiency rules dating back to the 2022 model year, while other regulatory changes are expected to reduce costs for companies meeting prior standards.
Congress has also considered imposing new annual fees on EVs to offset lost revenue from federal fuel taxes, a move that could further reshape incentives for clean vehicle adoption.