Buckle up, folks—General Motors (GM) is making waves, and it’s not just about sleek new electric vehicles (EVs). GM is fighting California on EVs, pushing hard to overturn the state’s ambitious zero-emission vehicle mandate. This clash, reported as recently as May 18, 2025, by outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Insider Monkey, marks a dramatic shift for GM, which once backed California’s green goals. Why the U-turn? Let’s dive into the latest developments, unravel what GM wants to scrap, and explore the reasons behind this high-stakes battle.
GM Is Fighting California on EVs: The Latest Move
Just days ago, GM sent an internal email to thousands of its white-collar employees, urging them to lobby Senators to kill California’s 2035 gas-car ban. This mandate, adopted by 11 other states, requires all new cars sold to be zero-emission by 2035. GM’s plea, as reported by TipRanks on May 18, 2025, slams the rule as “out of touch” with today’s EV market. The company’s reasoning? EV sales are stumbling—California hit only 20% EV sales in 2025, missing its 35% target for 2026. GM, alongside the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, argues that these strict standards could jack up vehicle prices, limit consumer choice, and threaten jobs.
This isn’t just talk. GM’s push aligns with a broader industry trend. Ford, Toyota, and Stellantis are also scaling back EV plans, with EV sales dropping 5% in April 2025, per Motor Intelligence data. GM itself scrapped its goal of building 400,000 EVs by mid-2024, citing sluggish demand and potential federal tax incentive rollbacks. Yet, GM insists it’s not abandoning EVs entirely—it’s investing in new models and battery tech, like lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) cells set for 2028 production with LG Energy Solution.
Why GM Is Fighting California on EVs
So, what’s driving GM’s rebellion? It boils down to market realities clashing with regulatory ideals. California’s waiver, granted by the EPA, lets the state set tougher emissions rules than federal standards. GM wants Congress to overturn this waiver, advocating for one nationwide emissions standard that reflects actual demand. The company argues that California’s aggressive timeline ignores economic challenges—like high EV costs and consumer preference for cheaper gas-powered options.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, backing GM, warns that California’s goals could lead to job losses and unaffordable vehicles. Posts on X, like one from @FinJourney on May 18, 2025, highlight GM’s pivot, noting support from other automakers. Meanwhile, California defends its rules, citing its unique environmental challenges, like air pollution and wildfires. But even some Democrats in states following California’s ban are starting to waver, per TipRanks, signaling cracks in the mandate’s support.
| Key Points in GM’s Fight | Details |
|---|---|
| Target | Overturn California’s 2035 gas-car ban and EPA waiver |
| Reason | Slow EV sales (20% in CA vs. 35% target), high costs, job risks |
| GM’s Action | Urging employees to lobby Senators, aligning with industry |
| Industry Support | Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Alliance for Automotive Innovation |
| California’s Stance | Defends strict rules due to environmental needs |
The Bigger Picture: GM’s Strategy and California’s Resolve
GM’s not just throwing punches—it’s recalibrating. While GM is fighting California on EVs, it’s also innovating. Reuters reported on May 13, 2025, that GM and LG are developing LMR batteries, promising 400-mile ranges at lower costs by 2028. This move shows GM’s hedging its bets: pushing for looser regulations while prepping for an EV future. But California’s not backing down. Governor Gavin Newsom, in a fiery statement on April 30, 2025, via The Sacramento Bee, called Congress’ attempts to block the mandate “illegal,” citing legal precedents.
The fight’s heating up in the Senate, where GM’s lobbying could tip the scales. Some X users, like @MishGEA, applaud GM’s “wise” second thoughts, while others, like @CleanAirMoms, slam the push as a blow to clean air. The outcome could reshape the auto industry, consumer options, and America’s climate goals.
What’s Next for GM and California?
This battle’s far from over. GM’s lobbying could sway federal policy, especially with the Trump administration’s anti-EV stance, as noted by NPR on May 1, 2025. California, meanwhile, is gearing up for a legal showdown to protect its waiver. For consumers, it’s a tug-of-war between affordability and sustainability. Will GM’s push for flexibility win, or will California’s green vision hold firm? Stay tuned—this clash is rewriting the road ahead.
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