Zac Quinn 
The current state of the automotive world is on shaky ground. On the one hand, the legislature is pushing for the total eradication of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales. On the other hand, plans to implement speed limiters in all new cars are in the works. However, in a win for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the Connecticut legislature has shelved its plans to adopt California’s ban on selling new ICE vehicles by 2035.
Connecticut ICE Vehicle Ban: Details
According to SEMA, the decision comes amid concerns about the feasibility of such a drastic transition, particularly with regard to the readiness of the state’s electric grid and charging infrastructure—both valid concerns. It’s clear EV sales are on the rise, but not as rapid as previously predicted, thanks to consumers sharing this concern about the charging infrastructure required for EVs to be a viable replacement for ICE vehicles.
In late 2023, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont withdrew a regulation requiring the state to adopt California’s strict motor-vehicle emissions laws and ban the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered (ICE) cars beginning in 2035. Luckily, bipartisan opposition from state lawmakers resulted in the governor acknowledging that the proposal lacked sufficient support to pass the Legislature’s Regulation Review Committee. As a result, lawmakers had hoped to find a solution during a special session in early 2024 and then again during this year’s regular legislative session. However, they could not reach a consensus about how to move forward.
While Democratic lawmakers have abandoned plans to push the ban forward, they will continue to focus on establishing a commission to address infrastructure challenges. SEMA recently held a poll that revealed that 59% of registered voters in Connecticut opposed a ban on the sale of ICE vehicles. Rising living costs and the potential financial burden on low-income families were cited as major concerns. Additionally, the poll found that 67% of voters believe electric vehicles pose environmental concerns related to battery production.
In short, it seems the population has valid concerns about the viability of switching to electrification, which shows that finding an alternative fuel solution, such as hydrogen or e-fuel, remains our best hope for an automotive future with fewer emissions.
