California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that Stellantis, a major automotive manufacturer encompassing brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, has committed to adhering to California’s stringent emissions regulations regardless of potential shifts in federal policies.
Under the agreement, Stellantis has pledged to meet California’s zero-emissions light-duty vehicle sales targets through 2030 and invest significantly in charging infrastructure. This commitment extends even in scenarios where federal actions might weaken California’s regulatory authority.
“This partnership demonstrates how the private sector can join forces with California to combat climate change,” Governor Newsom stated. “It’s another step towards transitioning millions of people to clean vehicles.”
Stellantis joins Ford, Honda, BMW of North America, and Volkswagen Group of America, which entered similar agreements with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2019. The deal aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 12 million metric tons by 2026.
In addition to the emissions targets, Stellantis plans to invest $4 million in expanding public charging infrastructure in California and an additional $6 million in other states adopting California’s standards, including Colorado, Massachusetts, and New York.
California’s ambitious electric vehicle (EV) targets, set in August 2022, include a ban on the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. These targets surpass federal goals, and California awaits approval for a special waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to implement them.
Despite potential legal challenges and uncertainties surrounding future federal administrations, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares views the partnership as mutually beneficial. “It’s a win-win solution that benefits customers and the planet,” Tavares remarked.
Stellantis currently offers five plug-in hybrids in the U.S. market and plans to introduce eight new EVs in 2024, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
CARB Chair Liane Randolph emphasized the importance of such collaborations in accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, while CARB executive officer Steven Cliff underscored the need for industry partnerships to address air pollution and climate change.