The Golden State is pushing a percentage of vehicles to be plug-in hybrids or zero emissions

California’s emissions exemptions effectively created two sets of regulations and it has been a contentious issue for years. This continues today as Toyota Motor North America’s chief operating officer called the upcoming rules “impossible.”

The remarks were reportedly made in relation to the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, which aim to “rapidly reduce emissions from light passenger cars, pickup trucks and SUVs starting in model year 2026.” When the rules come into play, automakers are supposed to make 35% of their sales plug-in hybrid or zero-emission vehicles. This percentage then increases each year and finally reaches 100% for the year 2035.

More: SEMA sues California to block sweeping electric vehicle mandate

Although this is the short and dirty version, it is essentially wishful thinking. According to CNBCToyota’s Jack Hollis said: “I haven’t seen any forecasts from anyone… government or private, anywhere, that told us this figure was achievable.” » He reportedly added that “it seems impossible” at this point.

Hollis said there was not enough demand for electric vehicles and other eligible models, while adding that the “unnatural” move would “limit customer choice.” Interestingly, even Democrats, like Michigan Sen.-elect Elissa Slotkin, campaigned against EV mandates and said “What you drive is your decision, no one else’s.”

If California gets its way, it will take the lead. This is part of the reason why Toyota wants a national standard because it would prevent one state from putting its thumb on the scale and affecting everyone.

As Hollis explains: “We would still want a 50-state rule, because that way we can treat all customers, all dealers equally and fairly, no matter what.” ” He then expressed hope that state and federal regulators could come together and create “something workable.”

Toyota photos