Gasoline Phaseout News – June 2025
How States Can Win the EV Race
With federal EV policies under attack, states must take the lead. Congress recently voted to strip California of its authority to phase out new gas car sales by 2035—undermining decades of climate leadership. Federal tax credits, fuel economy rules, and charger programs are also in jeopardy.
But states have a powerful alternative: their authority over electricity. Since EVs support the grid and lower fuel costs for drivers, states can justify EV requirements on grid, economic, and consumer benefit grounds—avoiding federal preemption. Washington’s Clean Cars 2030 law (p. 87) set a 100% EV goal based on grid and economic benefits, not emissions. The law culminated in an all-of-government Transportation Electrification Strategy.
Now is the time for states to act boldly. Shift EV oversight from pollution regulators to commerce and utility agencies. Ground requirements in state electricity law. Target incentives and robust communications campaigns to the biggest gasoline users who would save the most by switching to an EV. And invest in EV infrastructure and workforce transitions.
The fight for America’s EV future is local—and urgent.
EVs Can Save High-Mileage Black and Latino Drivers Thousands on Fuel and Maintenance
This month, Coltura released a groundbreaking report, Fueling Inequality, which found that nearly four million Black and Latino drivers spend an average of 15% of their income on gasoline. The good news – these high-mileage drivers could save an average of $3,800 a year on fuel alone and $4,900 when considering lower maintenance costs for EVs.
Coltura, joined by Dr. Shelley Francis of EVHybridNoire and AndreaMarpillero-Colomina, PhD of GreenLatinos, hosted a webinar on the report.
“This research underscores the urgent need for policies that help make EVs accessible to Black and Latino Superusers, & advocacy strategies that effectively educate and inform gasoline cost burdened drivers how they can make the switch to EVs” said Andrea Marpillero-Colomina of GreenLatinos.
“This report shows the importance of ensuring that Black and Latino people whose circumstances force them to drive more are able to realize the tremendous economic benefits from making the switch to an EV,” said Dr. Shelley Francis, co-founder and executive director of EVHybridNoire.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher—Help Us Seize This Moment
We’re at a critical moment. EV progress is under fierce attack — from fossil-fueled disinformation campaigns to political efforts aimed at reversing clean transportation policies.
Coltura’s innovative, data-driven strategy is uniquely positioned to fight back — by focusing on gasoline spending and showing how EVs save families money. This message resonates across political lines and can shift public opinion when it matters most.
But we need to act fast. This is a make-or-break moment for EV momentum, climate stability, and U.S. competitiveness.
Your support right now is critical. With your help, we can rise to meet this moment — and drive lasting change.
Data insight of the month: The Gasoline Burden of Women Superusers
“Gasoline Superusers” are the top 10% of all US drivers in terms of gasoline use. Women Superusers spend the greatest share of their income on gasoline, with those who are single suffering the biggest burden of all.
Average share of household income spent on gasoline for non-Superusers, Superusers, women Superusers, and single mother Superusers. Source: Coltura Representative Sample.
Gas Station of the Month: USA Gas, Ballston, NY
A gas station in Ballston, NY went up in flames after a gasoline spill ignited and engulfed the gas pumps and two vehicles in flames. Emergency crews were rushed to the scene of the fire. Two major roadways were shut down and several people were injured.
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Culture Corner: Ford’s Phantom Stick Shift for EVs
Ford has filed a patent for a simulated manual transmission for EVs—complete with a gear stick and clutch pedal that don’t actually control anything mechanical. Instead, they send signals to the EV’s brain, adjusting torque and performance to mimic the feel of shifting gears. To make the system feel real, it even simulates stalling if the clutch is released too soon.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N already offers paddle-style gear play, and Toyota is planning a release of a full manual simulation Lexus EV in the next year or two.
Stick-shift lovers, your clean-driving future might still include the thrill of a perfect downshift.
