Last November, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control adopted the Clean Car Act 2 (“ACC2”), regulating the percentage of electric vehicles (“EVs”) delivered to Delaware vehicle dealerships by 2027.

WHY IT MATTERS: 60% of Delaware’s total emissions are from vehicles. Because of this, the ACC2’s goal is to reduce pollution from tailpipe emissions. The ACC2 hopes for a better environment and healthier air for the people of Delaware to breathe.

HOW IT WORKS: The ACC2 is similar to the California Car Regulation but less restrictive. Starting with 2027 car models, dealerships must require automakers to deliver an increasing percentage of EVs to them, beginning at 43% and increasing to 82% by 2032.

• The ACC2 regulates only light and moderate vehicles (i.e., sedans and SUVs). Buses and delivery trucks are excluded.
• The ACC2 may prop up EV sales but regulators believe it is good for Delaware. Delaware’s largest source of air pollution is from gas vehicles. Regulators expect a reduction in gas vehicles for sale within the state will reduce Delaware’s air pollution.

THE BIG PICTURE: Developed economies around the world are transitioning to EVs. The EPA has promoted this trend and Delaware, as well as the other states throughout the nation, are following.

• Gas-powered vehicles will be harder and harder to buy. The ACC2 accelerates this trend for Delaware and the expectation is that car manufacturers will increase EV production.

YES, BUT: Sounds foolproof, but what challenges will Delaware face in implementing the ACC2?

• Delaware’s diverse car consumers may not buy EVs; some folks like their gas-powered vehicles. EVs could pile up on dealership lots.
• Automobile manufacturers may change more slowly than regulators hope. Manufacturers may need more EVs for purchase by model year 2027.
• Delaware must also purchase and distribute the necessary infrastructure to support increased EV sales. Presently, there are less than 400 EV-charging stations in Delaware.

WHAT’S NEXT: There will be many behavioral changes for both the consumer and manufacturers and changes in Delaware. To understand those changes from both the regulator and consumer perspective, Secretary Shawn Garvin of Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control along with my friend’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aronstam, who are proud owners of a Tesla EV. Secretary Garvin and Mr. and Mrs. Aronstam spoke about their thoughts on the regulation and how EVs will change how young drivers act

Secretary Garvin said, “My message to students, in general, is you are the voice of today, you are the environmental leaders today.” Secretary Garvin:

• stressed the big-picture trend toward EVs, pointing out a dozen other states have adopted similar laws and regulations, including New Jersey and Maryland.

• believes that Delaware and the market will be ready for the required changes.

As to EV-charging stations specifically, Secretary Garvin stated, “We are working with DelDOT [Delaware Department of Transportation]. That’s where the money is coming to . . .”

Mr. and Mrs. Aronstam stressed how reliable their Tesla has been compared to previously owned gas-powered vehicles. Mr. Aronstam also noted how driving a Telsa has impacted how he drives. The car is heavier, but automatically brakes. Mrs. Aronstam explained that whenever you let off the pedal, the car automatically brakes (Safety first!). The Aronstam’s said they were ready for the changes required by the ACC2:

• Mr. Aronstam explained, “Tesla unlike a lot of other electric vehicles has a nationwide infrastructure.”
• He also said their Tesla was reliable. 
• Mrs. Aronstam noted, however, that the battery drained quicker in the winter. She said, “If you’re down to 30% you might very quickly go down to 15% when it’s cold out.”
• Mr. Aronstam noted that he has “an older model Tesla, the auto drive feature isn’t on it.” (Maybe in his next Tesla model…)

GO DEEPER: For additional perspective on EV regulations, check this link out. Or, you can read more about the ACC2 here.