The adoption of zero-emission vehicles is steadily increasing in Maryland, but there is still progress to be made in reaching the state’s goal of ending the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035. Maryland’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation went into effect recently, requiring manufacturers to increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles they sell each year. By 2027, at least 43% of vehicles sold by each manufacturer in Maryland must be zero emissions. This percentage will continue to rise annually until 2035.
In 2022, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for just over 1% of newly registered or renewed light-duty vehicles in Maryland, which is a significant increase from previous years. This growth is encouraging for Maryland’s clean cars goals, but sustaining it will require more affordable prices and improved charging infrastructure.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles can contribute to meeting the Clean Cars II targets, as long as they have at least 50 miles of electric range. However, hydrogen-powered vehicles, while emission-free, are expected to play a minor role in Maryland’s transition away from gas-powered cars.
Charging accessibility is a crucial factor in increasing electric vehicle adoption. Efforts are being made to build charging infrastructure in areas with multifamily housing, where residents face more barriers to installing charging ports compared to single-family homes.
Different regions in Maryland have varying rates of electric vehicle adoption. Counties with higher median household incomes, such as Montgomery and Howard counties, tend to have a higher share of electric vehicle registrations. Government incentives, including tax credits and rebates, can help reduce the price gap between electric vehicles and other vehicle types.
Maryland is making progress in promoting zero-emission vehicles, with a higher share of electric vehicle registrations compared to 39 other states. There are currently over 3,900 charging ports and more than 78,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the state.
Sources:
– U.S. Department of Energy
– Maryland Automobile Dealers Association
– Maryland Department of Environment
– American Community Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau
– Alliance for Automotive Innovation
– Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council