A majority of Californians oppose Gov. Gavin Newsom's mandate to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, according to a recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). The survey found 65% of likely voters disapprove of the policy, with only 34% in support.

This marks a substantial shift since 2021, when Californians were evenly divided on the proposal. Opposition has risen 17 percentage points, coinciding with increased concerns about the cost of living and energy prices.

Support within the Democratic Party, Newsom's own political affiliation, has also declined. In 2021, 55% of Democrats supported the mandate; now, that figure stands at 50% in favor and 49% opposed. Republican opposition remains high, with 91% rejecting the plan.

Newsom signed the executive order in 2020, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ending the sale of new fossil fuel-powered passenger vehicles starting in 2035. However, the PPIC poll suggests that the financial implications of transitioning to electric vehicles are a primary concern for many residents.

Issues such as the higher upfront cost of electric vehicles and anxieties about the availability and charging time for longer journeys persist. "Electricity is not cheap. It often depends on the time of day," said PPIC Polling Director Mark Baldassare. "When it comes to what people are willing to do, they’re worried about living costs and particularly the cost of energy."

Despite the public's concerns, Newsom's administration recently allocated $135 million in incentives to encourage electric vehicle purchases. This program includes rebates for first-time buyers of qualifying new and used electric vehicles. Automakers are expected to contribute to the funding, though the ultimate impact on vehicle prices remains a question.

California currently leads the nation in electric vehicle ownership, with approximately 1.3 million registered EVs. However, the poll indicates that many residents doubt the state's readiness for a complete transition, with twice as many respondents expressing a lack of confidence in the state's charging infrastructure development compared to those who are confident.

The California Energy Commission reported in January that the state has over 200,000 public charging stations and approximately 800,000 home chargers, with further infrastructure planned. The survey also indicated that Californians continue to support broader climate goals, including reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and taxing corporations based on carbon emissions.