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Washington is one of 17 states that adopts stronger regulations on pollution from new vehicles, known as “vehicle emissions standards,” from California. Together, these states make up about 40% of the U.S. vehicle market.
These stronger standards increase the number of new clean vehicles for sale in our state over time and ensure that any new combustion-engine vehicles sold here pollute less. They apply to automakers — not individuals, dealers, or commercial buyers—and they don’t regulate used or off-road vehicles, prevent anyone from keeping their current vehicle, or ban gas- or diesel-powered vehicles.
Low-emission standards vs. zero-emission standards
Washington has low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards for on-road vehicles.
Low-emission standards require all new internal combustion engine vehicles sold in our state to pollute less.
Zero-emission standards require manufacturers to sell more clean vehicles (electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell) through 2035 or buy credits from other manufacturers who exceed their sales requirements.
Light-duty standards vs. medium- and heavy-duty standards
Both low-emission and zero-emission vehicle standards treat light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles differently based on their use cases and the expected pace of technological advancement.
Light-duty vehicles are typically passenger vehicles ranging from four-door sedans up to smaller pick-up trucks. To learn more, visit our light-duty standards page.
Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are typically commercial vehicles ranging from delivery vans to long-haul semitrucks. To learn more, visit our medium- and heavy-duty standards page.
How vehicle emissions standards affect buyers
Buyers don’t have to worry about whether a new vehicle for sale in Washington meets the standards—that’s the manufacturer’s responsibility. Over time, new vehicle buyers can expect to have more zero-emission options to choose from.
100% of new passenger vehicles sold in Washington must run on zero-emission technology from 2035 onward. After this point, the only new passenger vehicles with an internal combustion engine that can be sold in Washington are plug-in hybrids. For more details, visit our light-duty page.
Only 40% and 75% of new commercial vehicles sold in Washington must run on zero-emission technology from 2035 onward. For more details, visit our medium- and heavy-duty page.
None of the standards require anyone to give up a vehicle they already own, even after 2035. Used vehicles may continue to be bought and sold, regardless of fuel type.
ZEVergreen: Let's keep up the momentum!
Washington has some of the strongest zero-emission vehicles sales in the nation—about 20% of the new vehicles sold in our state run on clean technology! Unlawful actions at the federal level have made clean transportation less accessible in the U.S., resulting in a decrease in zero-emission vehicle sales in Washington despite growth in the global market. In response, Ecology partnered with Governor Bob Ferguson to launch an effort to keep up Washington’s momentum.
Our new ZEVergreen report is coming soon and will address ways to continue increasing zero-emission vehicle adoption. Ideas identified in the report are sourced directly from industry, utilities, Tribal governments, environmental and community groups.
Frequently asked questions
Zero-emission vehicles are vehicles that don’t produce any tailpipe pollution. For the purpose of talking about our standards, we’ve broadened the definition to include:
Battery electric (BEV)
Plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV)
Hydrogen fuel cell electric (FCEV)
Used cars are those with over 7,500 miles on the odometer. Vehicle emissions standards don't apply to used car sales.
Vehicles are classified as light-, medium-, or heavy-duty depending on their size and the maximum weight they're designed to carry, called "gross vehicle weight rating" or GVWR.
Light-duty vehicles are typically passenger cars and SUVs used for personal commuting. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are typically commercial vehicles, with the exception of some larger pick-up trucks.
Classifications are based on the following gross vehicle weight ratings:
Light duty: 0-8,500 lbs.
Medium duty: 8,501-26,000 lbs.
Heavy duty: 26,001+ lbs.
You can find these resources on FundHubWA, which allows you to search for state and federal funding sources related to climate and the environment. You can also use the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search to find and compare vehicles. Additionally, the Electric Vehicle Shopping Tool can help you find new and used EV inventory in Washington state.
There are some exemptions depending on which vehicle you’re looking at, such as military tactical vehicles and authorized emergency vehicles. See the WAC 173-423-060 for more details.
Most zero-emission passenger vehicles have a range between 200 and 400 miles, and many can reach 80% charge in 30 minutes or less, depending on the type of charger.
When it comes to zero-emission commercial vehicles, driving range averages 150-300 miles, but some models meant for commercial purposes can go even further.
There are zero-emission models coming to market each year, and our standards are expected to drive even more innovation. There are currently 100 light duty electric vehicle models on the market—a massive increase from 2020, when there were only six!
Manufacturers—not buyers—are responsible for ensuring that any new vehicles being sold in Washington can be registered in our state.
Any new vehicles for sale in Washington will have already been approved for sale and registration by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). DOL works with manufacturers and dealers to make sure the vehicle has been approved for sale and registration in California, where Washington's standards originate.
The only exception is for new vehicles purchased out of state. It’s the buyer's responsibility to make sure any new vehicles bought out of state meet Washington’s standards by reviewing the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) label in the vehicle’s engine compartment to see that the vehicle was approved for sale and registration in California.
More information can be found on the emission requirement webpage. We'll continue to partner closely with DOL to support their work.
No, there are no purchasing requirements for buyers, whether you’re an individual or a commercial customer.
There is already strong demand for zero-emission vehicles in Washington, and we expect it to continue growing as the state builds out supporting infrastructure. Manufacturers and dealers can capitalize on that demand and even increase it through marketing the well-established benefits of zero-emission vehicles. Up through 2025, there were more zero-emission options each year. This gave manufacturers and dealers the opportunity to match customers with a model that fits their needs, whether it is range, speed, or the ability to perform certain types of work. Due to the federal government’s actions in 2025, we are now seeing some manufacturers cancel, delay, or retool upcoming vehicle options.
If manufacturers don’t want to increase their zero-emission sales, they have an alternative: they can purchase credits from other manufacturers who exceed their sales requirements. Based on zero-emission sales so far, there are plenty of credits to go around. Manufacturers were allowed to build up a bank of credits for their zero-emission sales before the standards took effect.
NOTE: We've heard that before Ecology paused portions of the emission standards, some manufacturers imposed sales requirements on dealers or purchase requirements on fleets, rather than take advantage of the credit system or work with dealers to increase sales through marketing and other means. We don’t require or recommend this practice, and we’re working to educate the industry about the many compliance options available to them.
Washington has already made incredible progress when it comes to increasing the availability of public charging.
The number of public charging stations across the state has more than tripled since 2014! There were 563 active public charging locations and 1,518 ports in our state 2014. In 2026, there are more than 3,000 active public charging locations and over 8,400 public ports in all parts of the state. As we continue to build out public charging infrastructure, Washington is prioritizing our most high-traffic corridors.
Additionally, over $130 million in funding from the Climate Commitment Act is being provided to help truck owners cover the costs of electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as charging infrastructure. Some of that same Climate Commitment Act funding is also helping fund Ecology’s Zero-Emission School Bus grant program. Additional state support has been made available through the Clean Fuel Standard, state tax credits on commercial ZEVs and associated infrastructure, Volkswagen Settlement grants, and Clean Diesel grants.
The state and federal government are investing in private charging, too. There are state tax credits that help offset the cost of some charging infrastructure, and various state programs either fund charging infrastructure at multifamily buildings and workplaces or provide financial incentives to install charging infrastructure. The Clean Fuel Standard is one example.
No. Our regulations don’t prevent anyone from continuing to drive their gas- or diesel-powered vehicle in Washington, and there will still be options for purchasing vehicles with internal combustion engines after 2035.
Even though 100% of new passenger vehicles sold in Washington must run on zero-emission technology by 2035, there will still be options for purchasing passenger vehicles with an internal combustion engine. After 2035, if someone wants to purchase a new passenger vehicle with an internal combustion engine, they can choose from new plug-in hybrids or used combustion-engine vehicles.
If someone wants to purchase a commercial vehicle with an internal combustion engine after 2035, they can choose from new or used plug-in hybrids or the range of internal combustion engine vehicles still being sold in Washington. Only 40-75% (depending on weight class and vehicle type) of new commercial vehicles sold in Washington must run on zero-emission technology by 2035.
We’ve implemented four low- and zero-emission vehicle standards through the following regulations:
Advanced Clean Cars
Advanced Clean Cars II
Heavy Duty Low-NOx Omnibus
Advanced Clean Trucks
Together, these standards regulate all new on-road vehicles sold in Washington.
New zero-emission vehicles usually have a lower total cost of ownership than internal combustion engine vehicles. Thanks to lower maintenance and fuel costs, drivers of zero-emission vehicles benefit from long-term savings – even if you pay a higher price at the time of purchase.
The used market, which is where 75% of car buyers go to purchase a vehicle, can unlock even more savings. The amount of used zero-emission vehicles available is growing quickly, and they tend to be newer and have less miles than a similarly priced internal combustion vehicle.
The main driver of these savings is the fact that electricity prices are lower and more stable than gasoline or diesel fuel — this is particularly true in Washington, which has some of the cleanest and cheapest electricity in the nation.
Zero-emission vehicles also tend to have lower maintenance costs. They don’t require oil changes, transmission fluid, spark plugs, certain air filters, or many other consumables found in combustion vehicles. Their brake pads usually last much longer because the vehicles capture and reuse as much as one-fifth of the energy normally lost during braking through “regenerative braking.”
Depending on the use case, some medium-and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles still cost more to own but given trends in battery prices and the global zero-emission truck market, we expect to close that gap in the early 2030s. The exact timing varies by vehicle type.
These savings are expected to grow as purchase prices drop and charging infrastructure costs decline.
Under the federal Clean Air Act, states can either follow federal emissions standards or adopt California’s stricter standards, but they can’t create their own. Under RCW 70A.30.010, the Washington Legislature chose to follow California’s stricterstandards. After California passes a new emissions standard, Washington must adopt the standard through rulemaking. California must also request a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement and enforce each standard. Once the waiver is granted, it can be enforced in all states that have adopted them. Under the federal Clean Air Act, new vehicle emissions standards can’t take effect for two model years after the rulemaking process concludes in order to give industry time to prepare.
In 2005, the Washington Legislature passed a law directing Ecology to implement California’s low-emission vehicle standards. In 2020, the Legislature passed another law requiring us to implement California’s zero-emission vehicle standards, resulting in the current requirements in RCW 70A.30.010. These decisions were made because reducing pollution from transportation is an important part of achieving our state’s legal limits on greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
