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Newsom Blasts Trump's EV Criticism

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. 26/02/05/newsom-blasts-trump-s-ev-criticism.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 3:42 GMT by Associated Press
      Locale: UNITED STATES

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - February 5, 2026 - California Governor Gavin Newsom today sharply criticized former President Donald Trump's recent disparaging remarks about electric vehicles (EVs), doubling down on the state's commitment to a zero-emission transportation future. Newsom's response, delivered during a press conference in Sacramento, came after Trump last week publicly labeled EVs "stupid" and questioned their viability, a statement that drew immediate rebuke from EV advocates and policy leaders.

The core of Trump's critique centered around concerns about EV range, charging infrastructure, and the actual environmental impact of battery production and disposal. He painted a picture of EVs as impractical for everyday use, particularly in rural areas, and suggested they represent a forced transition driven by political ideology rather than consumer demand. His comments directly clash with the Biden administration's stated goal of having EVs comprise a substantial portion of new car sales by 2030, a target Newsom ardently supports.

Newsom didn't mince words, dismissing Trump's assessment as a symptom of being "out of touch" with evolving automotive technology and the growing climate crisis. "The former president seems to be stuck in the past," Newsom stated. "California is already demonstrating that a future powered by clean transportation isn't just possible, it's happening now."

California currently leads the nation in EV adoption, boasting over 1.1 million registered electric vehicles as of late 2025. This represents a significant increase from previous years and demonstrates the success of the state's proactive policies, including generous tax incentives, rebates, and the implementation of stringent emission standards. The state's robust network of charging stations, though still requiring further expansion, is also the largest in the US, supporting a growing fleet of EVs.

Newsom's administration has established some of the most ambitious EV goals in the world, notably a mandate requiring all new cars sold in California to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. This policy, though facing challenges from auto manufacturers and some consumer groups, is viewed by Newsom as crucial for meeting the state's climate goals and reducing air pollution. The Governor emphasized that California is committed to pushing forward, despite opposition.

Today's remarks were coupled with the unveiling of the "Equitable Charging Initiative," a new program designed to address a critical gap in the state's EV infrastructure: access in disadvantaged communities. The initiative will dedicate $500 million over the next five years to building out charging stations in low-income neighborhoods and rural areas that have historically been underserved. This funding will prioritize projects that incorporate renewable energy sources and create local job opportunities.

"We're not just building a clean transportation future, we're building an equitable one," Newsom explained. "Everyone deserves access to the benefits of electric vehicles, regardless of their zip code or income level." The Equitable Charging Initiative also includes provisions for workforce training programs, specifically targeting residents of underserved communities, to ensure they have the skills needed to install and maintain the new charging infrastructure.

The debate surrounding EVs is multifaceted. Concerns raised by Trump, while dismissed by Newsom, are echoed by some industry analysts who point to the challenges of scaling up battery production sustainably and ensuring a reliable supply of critical minerals. The cost of EVs remains a barrier for many consumers, although prices are steadily decreasing with technological advancements and increased production volumes. Furthermore, the capacity of the electrical grid to handle a massive influx of EV charging remains a concern, requiring significant investments in grid modernization and energy storage.

Looking ahead, California is investing heavily in research and development to address these challenges. The state is exploring innovative battery technologies, including solid-state batteries and sodium-ion batteries, which promise to offer improved range, faster charging times, and reduced reliance on scarce materials. It's also working with utility companies to implement smart charging systems that can optimize energy usage and reduce strain on the grid. Newsom's administration is framing these investments not only as environmental necessities but as economic opportunities, positioning California as a global leader in the burgeoning EV industry.