In 2021, Virginia adopted the California ACC I (Clean Cars I) program starting with model year 2025 vehicles (and requiring all new vehicles sold by 2035 to be fully electric).
California subsequently allowed that program to expire as of December 31, 2025. However, Virginia has not adopted the California ACC II (Clean Cars II), which becomes effective on January 1, 2025.
That means for the few short weeks left in the calendar year 2025, Virginia is under the California Clean Cars program for the model year 2025 vehicles. Come January 1, the Commonwealth will no longer be under any California standards. You may recall this was announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in June.
But understand: This issue is not going away. A future General Assembly and Governor could put Virginia back under California rules as early as 2026.
We understand manufacturers may be expecting dealers to take more EV inventory for 2025 model year vehicles before the end of the year, even if the dealers have unsold EV units that they have been unable to sell.
We would remind dealers that Virginia law broadly protects you from having to accept vehicle inventory you did not order, which would apply to all inventory — EV or otherwise.