(Excerpt)
The US state of Colorado has reportedly decided to adopt the
same zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate as California,
according to media reports. According to a Reuters report, the
decision by the state government follows several weeks of
discussions with automaker groups. Colorado state officials
reportedly released a statement saying, "We were unable to reach
agreement on a voluntary approach that could be considered as a
potential alternative to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) standard."
An Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers spokesperson is quoted as
saying, "Unfortunately, while these discussions were encouraging,
there were many complex details that we were unable to resolve. We
remain committed to zero emission vehicles and to working with the
Polis administration to accelerate the electric vehicle market in
Colorado." According to Reuters, Colorado plans to finalise
requirements that will take effect starting in 2022 model year; the
state governor has signed an executive order directing the state to
adopt California's rules.
Significance: Colorado's move comes as the US
government has indicated it will ease fuel economy requirements for
after 2022 model year, and 18 states have indicated they would sue
the government over the issue, if it goes forward. In 2018,
Colorado saw 1.8% of all US EV registrations, 4,988 units, compared
with leading California's 4.7% (94,824 units). In the first three
months of 2019, Colorado has accounted for 2.2% of US EV sales,
with 1,448 units registered, according to IHS Markit data. If
Colorado joins California, this will set a series of requirements
for ZEV sales in order for automakers to participate in the state
at all, and this would encourage automakers to ensure sales add
Colorado to the list of priority states at this point. Whether
Colorado joins the California requirements or not, sales of EVs are
forecast to increase in the US in the near term on increased
vehicle availability and improving infrastructure. While California
has targeted about 22% of its sales be ZEV (including battery
electric, fuel cell electric or plug-in hybrid), in 2018, EVs
accounted for only 4.5% of California's light-vehicle
registrations, with PHEV accounting for 3.1% and FCEV for only
0.12% of California registrations in 2018.
