The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has announced a two-year pause on electric vehicle (EV) sales requirements for manufacturers not meeting targets under the Advanced Clean Cars II program. The agency made this announcement in a press release.
According to the official Massachusetts press release, the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) program mandates that automakers increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) sold in the state—starting at 35 percent in model year 2026 and rising to full transition by 2035. Beginning in 2022, MassDEP adopted California’s ACC II regulations as part of the Commonwealth’s climate strategy.
The two-year pause will apply specifically to model years 2026 and 2027, during which MassDEP will suspend enforcement. This means no penalties will be issued if manufacturers fail to meet year-over-year ACC II sales targets, although credit generation and carry-forward continue during this time.
The policy stipulates that manufacturers must still report quarterly on activities to promote ZEVs, including their marketing efforts, dealership training, and investments in charging infrastructure. They must also continue supplying internal combustion engine vehicles without restriction to dealers or risk losing the enforcement discretion benefit.
Massachusetts State, under Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees MassDEP. The department implements statewide environmental regulations, energy policy, and climate initiatives to safeguard public health and advance clean energy for residents.
