NC Massachusetts News

Audi Massachusetts has announced its opposition to state-level electric vehicle mandates, joining over 5,000 auto dealers nationwide. The company argues that government regulations should not dictate consumer vehicle choices. This announcement was made in a letter.

According to the SF Chronicle, California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule requires that 100% of new passenger vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035, with interim targets starting at 35% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales for the 2026 model year. As of December 2023, twelve other states, including Massachusetts, have adopted these standards, collectively influencing a significant portion of the U.S. auto market. Critics argue that allowing an unelected board in California to dictate vehicle policy nationwide undermines consumer choice and free-market competition.

Despite government incentives and subsidies, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for only 8.1% of total new car sales in the U.S. in 2024. According to AP News, this indicates that a significant majority of consumers continue to prefer internal combustion engine vehicles due to factors such as higher upfront costs, limited driving range, and insufficient charging infrastructure.

Edmunds reports that the average manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for a fully electric compact SUV was $53,048, while that of a gas-powered compact SUV was $35,722. This price difference makes EVs less accessible for middle-class consumers. Additionally, one-third of U.S. households lack access to at-home charging facilities, particularly in urban and rural areas, creating logistical barriers. The U.S. would need to quadruple its charging infrastructure by 2030 to meet projected demand.

Audi AG is a German automotive manufacturer specializing in luxury vehicles. Founded on July 16, 1909, by August Horch and headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Audi operates as a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group and produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide.