California approves auto emission rules

That includes a mandate to have 1.4 million electric and hybrid vehicles on state roads by 2025. The breakthrough plan, approved by the California Air Resources Board, also requires a 75 percent reduction in smog-forming pollutants and a 34 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions. The state's pollution standards are usually tougher than the federal rules, and often get copied by other states. From AP:

The California New Car Dealers Association and other industry groups representing those who sell cars said the board is overestimating consumer demand for electric vehicles and other so-called "zero-emission vehicles." Some dealer groups have estimated that $3,200 would be added to the average cost of a car because of the technological changes, and that consumers have been slow to adopt them. Jonathan Morrison, of the state dealers' association, said car retailers are supportive of new technologies that are accepted by their customers but the acceptance of electric and other vehicles has been slow. "Consumers do not make purchasing decisions based upon regulatory mandates," he said.

It's still very early, but sales of electric cars generally have missed expectations. Various reasons are cited, from availability to price to concerns about recharging. As the cars become less of a novelty, interest is bound to perk up (2025 is a long way off). But the one-in-seven mandate does seem ambitious, especially with the internal combustion engine having become so much cleaner and fuel-efficient.