California's Push to Ban Gas-Powered Cars:

• California is looking to phase out the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles, requiring all new vehicles to be electric (EVs).
• Although this law is specific to California, it holds national significance as California represents 15-18% of the automobile market.
• Other states, such as Washington, are also planning to phase out gas-powered cars by 2030, with several more states expected to follow suit.
• As a result, around one-third of the U.S. population will live in states where gasoline vehicles will no longer be sold, and in some cases, even existing gas-powered cars may not be allowed to be registered.

The Challenges of Owning Gas-Powered Cars Post-Legislation:

• If these laws pass, it may become difficult to purchase or maintain gasoline-powered cars due to a lack of available parts and discontinued production.
• Manufacturers may stop producing parts for gas cars as the market shifts towards EVs, and maintaining older gas-powered cars could become challenging.

Rising Electric Vehicle Prices:

• Alongside these laws, EV prices are on the rise. For example, Ford has announced price increases of $6,000-$8,000 for certain EV models due to production cost hikes.

Implications for Consumers and the Industry:

• What does it mean for consumers if electric vehicles become a requirement and gasoline vehicles are phased out?
• Are you ready for an all-electric future? Do you have the capability to charge an EV and the infrastructure to support long-distance driving?

Impact on the Automotive Repair Industry:

• How prepared are automotive repair shops for the transition to EVs? Will traditional repair shops be able to handle the electronic-based repair needs of EVs, or will repairs become restricted to authorized dealers?
• Will third-party repair shops fade away as everything becomes more electronic?

Collision Repair and Dealers:

• Collision repairs for EVs may be more complex, especially when it comes to damage to the battery and floor pan.
• What does the future hold for car dealerships and used car lots? Will used EVs still be practical to buy and sell, especially when the battery warranty expires?

What Are Your Thoughts?

• Share your feedback on the transition to electric vehicles and the new laws changing the automotive industry. What do you think about living with electric-only vehicles, and how do you see the repair and retail sectors evolving?