Trump Kills California’s 2035 EV Mandate: What It Means for Automakers & Drivers

Pawan Dhaliwal
Jun 12
2 min read

June 12, 2025 – In a direct challenge to state-led efforts on emissions, President Trump signed three Congressional Review Act resolutions that effectively nullify California's ability to enforce its 2035 zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) and heavy-duty truck mandates .

🚫 What Did Trump Do?

Revoked California's ZEV waiver: The EPA waiver that allowed California to require 80% new EV/plug-in hybrid sales by 2035 has been overturned
Scrapped heavy-duty truck emissions rules: The zero-emission truck goals have been removed, along with strict nitrogen oxide regulations
Used Congressional Review Act (CRA): By invoking the CRA, the move is framed as a permanent repeal, bypassing typical regulatory procedures

Why This Matters

California is influential. With ~40% of U.S. new car sales and 11 states following its rules, its policies have shaped national EV strategy .

Automakers' position: While many automakers—GM, Toyota, VW—supported Trump’s move as relief from stringent mandates, others are pushing on with EV investment. GM, for example, has already readjusted its strategy amid waning federal EV incentives .

Legal Showdown

California and 10 other states are suing, arguing that the CRA doesn't apply here—that waivers aren't “rules” subject to repeal .
Legal experts, including the U.S. GAO and Senate parliamentarian, have questioned the legality of using CRA in this way washingtonpost.com +5politico.com +5apnews.com +5.
Federal funding threats: California warns of potential loss of federal highway funds and EPA funding for EV infrastructure apnews.com +7sfchronicle.com +7wired.com +7.

Industry & Environmental Reaction

Critics say this undermines public health and climate goals, withdrawing a state that leads in innovation .
Supporters applaud the return of decision-making authority to federal uniform standards and relief for consumers and traditional automakers

Looking Ahead for AutoRebels Readers

Regulatory uncertainty: Without California’s mandate, states now lack a model and timeline. Federal standards may shift slower—and automakers may slow EV rolling.
Market dynamics: Companies aggressively chasing EV growth may pause or pivot, while oil-backed interests could reassert dominance.
Infrastructure pause: Recent federal funding freezes on EV charging further slow things

Final Thoughts

Trump’s move isn’t just a legal power play—it’s a strategic shift in the U.S. auto industry. If court challenges fail, expect a slowdown in EV adoption, a resurgence in gas-powered models, and a policy tug-of-war between state ambitions and federal control.

Stay tuned to AutoRebels as this unfolds—with lawsuits, legislative counters, and market responses likely driving the next wave of EV strategy.