Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles are becoming dinosaurs in California as the state speeds up its transition to electric vehicles (EVs). With a big push to reduce air pollution and new EV technology, California is leading the way to a cleaner future. This is not only changing automotive landscape and the auto industry but also the car dealerships. Changing consumer and customer preferences also are driving the evolution of car dealerships, emphasizing the need for them to adapt in order to provide exceptional customer experiences.
California’s Transition to EVs
Laws and Goals
California is going big in marketing efforts to get rid of gas powered vehicles. State legislators recently passed laws to restrict and eventually ban all ICE vehicles, a move that has huge implications for the state’s auto market and new car buyers. Margo Oge, an EV expert who headed the Environmental Protection Agency’s transportation emissions program under three presidents, called this “huge” for the state and the country. California, the largest auto market in the US, accounts for over 9% of the country’s new car sales and about 38% of new EV sales. More than a dozen other states follow California’s lead in setting auto emissions standards.
The California Air Resources Board has issued a new rule requiring all new cars sold to be 100% zero emissions by 2035. The rule has interim targets, 35% of new passenger vehicles sold by 2026 be zero emissions, 68% by 2030. Governor Gavin Newsom said this is the biggest step ever taken to reduce tailpipe emissions, comparing the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs to the obsolescence of rotary phones. These new laws and goals set by California will significantly impact the car buying and purchasing process, emphasizing the need for transparency and seamless technology integration throughout the entire car buying process.
Good for the Environment
Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The transition to electric vehicles is key as transportation is a major source of air pollution in the US. Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation account for about 27% of total US emissions. EVs have a smaller carbon footprint than gas cars, even when you factor in the electricity used to charge them. They produce no tailpipe emissions which helps keep pollutants out of the environment.
California did this in response to increasing air pollution and the new climate change law passed by the Biden administration. This law includes a $7,500 EV tax credit for new owners, a provision that was previously repealed. California is adding this federal provision with a $10 billion state program to make EVs more affordable and to build charging infrastructure, especially in low income communities.
The Auto Industry and Market Trends
Getting on Board with EVs
The auto industry seems to be okay with California’s new rules. Vehicle manufacturers are facing low inventory and high prices but they are committed to the EV transition. For example, General Motors (GM) the automotive industry and California have a shared vision for an all-electric future. Ford is investing $50 billion in EVs and Chrysler is introducing 25 new EV models by 2025. Honda called the new rule “an ambitious but important milestone”. Automakers car dealers are embracing the rapid shift to clean and sustainable transportation and it’s expected car dealerships in California will no longer sell ICE vehicles in the future.
Car Dealerships and Customer Experience
Adjusting to the New Rules
Car dealerships in California are adapting to the EV market. They are moving from selling ICE vehicles to offering electric and hybrid models only. This means car dealers’hips need to invest in new training for their staff, update their service department to service EVs and educate consumers about EVs.
Supporting EV Adoption
Dealerships play a big role in supporting EV adoption by providing consumers with access to the latest EVs and technologies. They offer test drives which many dealerships say are crucial for potential buyers to experience EVs firsthand. Dealerships are also partnering with EV charging companies to make sure customers have access to convenient charging solutions. Advanced data analytics can be used to understand customer preferences and enhance sales performance.
Additionally, investing in customer experience through digital channels is essential for encouraging EV adoption, as a comprehensive digital customer experience and a focus on a customer-centric approach can significantly influence consumer expectations and purchasing decisions.
Making EV Adoption Easier
Incentives and Rebates
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) makes EV adoption easier with incentives and pricing. Time-of-use (TOU) energy rates for EV owners tell them when to charge when rates are lowest. Southern California Edison offers a Clean Fuel Rewards program which gives EV buyers $1,000 back if they are SCE customers. Transparent communication about financing options is crucial to cater to modern consumers’ expectations for personalized experiences.
State incentives are $2,000 back for buying EVs, up to $4,500 for those who meet vehicle and income requirements. The state is also increasing rebates car buyers in lower income communities to improve air quality and reduce disease.
The Cars 4 All Program, according to Greenlining.org, offers incentives for lower income consumers living in disadvantaged communities to trade in their old vehicle and buy a new or used hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle. Incentives are also available for home vehicle charging infrastructure.
Blink Mobility: Leading the Charge in Car Sharing
A Smarter Way to Get Around
Blink Mobility is a 100% electric car sharing service as part of Los Angeles’s mobility solutions. Available to anyone 18+ with a valid driver’s license, Blink Mobility provides access to a network of shared electric vehicles 24/7 at self-service locations throughout central LA. Blink Mobility stations are on-street, one self-service kiosk and five parking spots, each with an electric charger. Users can pick up and drop off vehicles at any Blink Mobility location, no need to return the car to the starting point or during business hours.
Advantages:
- Easy to use
- Flexible and green
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
- None!
Community Engagement and Support
Community based organizations play a big role in supporting Blink Mobility’s outreach and engagement efforts. By gathering input from local residents, Blink Mobility is always improving its services to meet the needs consumer preferences of the community. This collaborative approach ensures the car sharing service is tailored to the neighborhood it serves.
Blink Mobility’s community engagement goes beyond just providing transportation solutions modern consumers. The company participates in local events, educational programs and sustainability initiatives. By building relationships with community organizations, Blink Mobility has a positive impact that goes beyond car sharing. Blink Mobility also adopts a customer-focused approach, ensuring transparency, technology, customer satisfaction and convenience in all its community interactions.
Bottom Line
California is the leader in the transition to electric vehicles, setting goals and policies to make EV adoption easier. The state’s commitment to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions is changing the auto industry and car dealerships. As car dealerships adapt to the EV market, they are a key part of the success of this transition. Retail sales in the automotive industry represent a significant portion of overall consumer spending.
Blink Mobility’s electric car sharing service is a flexible, affordable and green solution for when you need a car. For more information and to join Blink Mobility, visit their website and download the app today. Join the future of transportation with Blink Mobility and experience the freedom and benefits of car sharing.
Technological advancements changing consumer preferences are driving the evolution of car dealerships, making it essential for them to embrace online experiences, personalization strategies, and innovative technologies.
