What Is the Clean Cars Rule in Colorado?
If you’ve been following Colorado’s push for cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions, you may have heard of the Clean Cars Rule. But what exactly is it, and how does it affect drivers, car buyers, and the auto industry in Colorado?
In this blog, we break down what the Clean Cars Rule means, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future of transportation across the state.
What Is the Clean Cars Rule?
Colorado’s Clean Cars Rule is a state policy adopted in 2023 that requires automakers to increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) they sell each year. By 2032, the rule mandates that 82% of new passenger vehicles sold in Colorado must be electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen-powered.
This rule is Colorado’s version of California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC2) regulation, though Colorado stopped short of requiring 100% ZEV sales by 2035 as California and some other states have done.
Why Colorado Adopted the Clean Cars Rule
Transportation is the largest source of climate pollution in Colorado. Passenger vehicles and light trucks contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and poor air quality, especially in urban and Front Range communities.
The Clean Cars Rule aims to:
Reduce tailpipe emissions
Lower greenhouse gas pollution
Improve public health through cleaner air
Give consumers greater access to electric and hybrid vehicles
Accelerate Colorado’s path toward carbon neutrality
By ramping up ZEV availability over the next decade, the state hopes to meet its ambitious clean energy goals while offering residents more options to drive electric.
Key Components of the Clean Cars Rule
Here’s a quick look at what’s included in the Clean Cars Rule in Colorado:
Annual ZEV Sales Targets: Auto manufacturers must increase the percentage of ZEVs they sell each year, reaching 82% by 2032.
Market Flexibility: Automakers can meet their targets using a combination of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
2029 Policy Review: The rule includes a scheduled review in 2029, where regulators may consider moving to a full 100% ZEV sales requirement by 2035, depending on infrastructure and market readiness.
Economic and Environmental Impact
According to state estimates, the Clean Cars Rule could bring over $72 billion in net benefits by 2050. These benefits come from:
Lower fuel costs (electricity is cheaper than gas)
Reduced maintenance costs for EV owners
Improved health outcomes due to cleaner air
Reduced climate damage and fewer extreme weather-related costs
While some critics argue the rule could restrict consumer choice or drive up vehicle costs, the trend toward more affordable EVs and stronger federal incentives may offset those concerns.
How This Affects Car Buyers in Colorado
If you’re planning to buy a new vehicle in Colorado in the coming years, expect to see:
More electric and plug-in hybrid models at local dealerships
Increased incentives and rebates for EV purchases
Improved charging infrastructure thanks to state and federal investments
Less availability of gas-only new vehicles by the early 2030s
Used vehicles are not subject to this rule, so the gas-powered cars already on the road will still be part of the transportation mix for some time.
Related Truck and Fleet Rules
In addition to the Clean Cars Rule, Colorado also adopted two other clean transportation policies in 2023:
Advanced Clean Trucks Rule: Requires manufacturers to sell more zero-emission commercial vehicles like trucks and vans
Low-NOx Standards: Enforces stricter pollution controls on new diesel engines
Together, these rules represent a broader statewide shift toward cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation.
Final Thoughts: A Cleaner Road Ahead
The Clean Cars Rule is a pivotal part of Colorado’s strategy to build a cleaner, healthier future. While change won’t happen overnight, the shift toward zero-emission vehicles is already underway — and it’s accelerating.
Whether you’re an automaker, a dealer, or just someone shopping for your next car, it’s smart to keep this policy on your radar. Colorado is clearly steering toward an electric future — and the road is already being paved.