Why California’s EV Policies Don’t Work for Minnesotans

After the recent elections, the DFL Party controls the Minnesota House and Senate and the Governor’s office. Creating a 100% carbon-free Minnesota by 2040 is one of the DFL’s main priorities. To achieve this ambitious goal, policymakers are looking to copy and adopt some of California’s most extreme environment and vehicle policies right here in Minnesota. One of those policies includes banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. It’s crucial for Minnesotans to understand how this California-made rule would impact them and their families.

For one thing, electric vehicles are costly for the average Minnesota family. With inflation rates and costs rising exponentially this past year, it isn’t easy to budget another significant expense. Today, the lowest-cost electric car is still around $15,000 more than the cheapest gas car. Drivers on a fixed income who can't afford EV prices should be able to choose which car best fits their needs and finances.

Read the full opinion piece here.