Exclusive | New York green car law has auto dealers fired up as looming deadline doesnt match reality: Dont destroy the market

A Hochul administration green rule requiring that 35% of 2026 model cars sold in the state to be “emissions free” is an unrealistic bust, auto dealers claim.The Advance Clean Cars II mandate calls for all autos to be free of fossil fuel emissions by 2035, ratcheting up the percentage each year.But New York’s auto dealers said the deadline to meet those goals of weening drivers off gas-powered cars to electric vehicles is pie in the sky.“The deadlines don’t match the reality,” said Jack Weidinger, chairman of the Greater Automobile Dealers Association of NY, who owns a Cadillac dealership in Great Neck.“Dealers want to extend the deadline so we don’t destroy the market,” he said.Andy Guelcher, a Chevrolet dealer in Ballston Spa, said the industry is “just not there yet” as there are not enough charging stations in operation as the rule would require a slew of new electric vehicles.“The infrastructure is not ready for these ambitious deadlines,” he said.Guelcher said Department of Motor Vehicles monthly records he’s reviewed show that 8% to 9% of new cars registered are battery electric or emission free, and there’s no way the 35% edict will be met next year.The state Department of Environmental Conservation said electric vehicles account for slightly over 10% of car sales.“While setting environmental sustainability goals is laudable, hitting 35% is next to impossible — and consumers will be left holding the bag.It is unrealistic to assume a 300% year-over-year increase in demand for zero emission vehicles,” Guelcher said.“New York must pump the brakes on ACC II.

Consumers and car dealers are counting on it.”He said $7,500 in federal tax credit for consumers to buy emission free cars could dry up under President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress.Consumers could end up paying more, he warned.“With car dealers forced to order more zero-emission vehicles, there will be fewer gas-powered vehicles on the lot, driving up...