149 Maryland car dealerships oppose electric vehicle mandates

149 car dealerships in Maryland 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.”

Maryland has adopted California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation, which 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. This adoption aligns with Governor Wes Moore’s commitment to aggressive climate goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality across the state, according to the Sierra Club.

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.”

A 2023 poll by Gonzales Research & Media Service revealed that approximately 60% of Maryland voters oppose the plan to mandate electric car sales by 2035. This opposition reflects consumer concerns over the feasibility and economic impact of such mandates, as reported by Maryland Matters.

As of January 2024, Maryland had approximately 1,667 public electric vehicle charging stations, according to a report by Qmerit. However, concerns remain about whether the infrastructure can support the state’s aggressive EV adoption targets, particularly in rural and underserved areas. 

Maryland auto dealers have expressed concerns that the state’s aggressive EV mandates could lead to financial strain, particularly for smaller dealerships. They fear that stocking a higher percentage of EVs than current demand justifies may result in unsold inventory, increased operational costs, and potential job losses within the industry, according to Maryland Matters.

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 Maryland. Despite opposition from auto dealers and some lawmakers, state officials maintain that the mandate is necessary to combat climate change and reduce emissions, as detailed by the California Air Resources Board.

Maryland Dealerships That Signed the Letter: