California Electric Vehicle Drivers Could Lose Carpool Lane Access
According to a report by Automotive News, California electric vehicle drivers may lose single-occupancy carpool lane access later this year.
The federal law that allows California to grant this perk, one of the earliest EV ownership incentives, is set to expire on September 30. While California lawmakers are working to extend the statute, federal lawmakers have not taken any action yet.
Currently, certain electric vehicles qualify for a sticker that allows them access to carpool lanes. In 2024, California’s DMV issued 194,486 stickers, a significant increase from the previous year.
Greg Wallis, a member of California’s state assembly, has proposed a bill to extend the carpool lane access until January 1, 2027, pending the renewal of the federal law. However, with the current political climate, the future of EV-friendly policies remains uncertain.
The Trump administration has made moves to limit funding for EV chargers and may target federal EV tax credits. California is taking steps to counter these actions and continue promoting EV adoption.
While offering carpool lane access to single-occupancy EVs has its benefits, it could also impact the efficiency of carpool lanes in the long run. As more EVs hit the road, the policy may need to be reevaluated to encourage more sustainable transportation practices.