A first in the Midwest, Minnesota rules will fuel switch to electric vehicles

Minnesota’s new clean car rules were published in the State Register this week, meaning carmakers and dealers will have to provide more electric vehicles to consumers in the state, beginning with the rollout of their 2025 models in 2024.

Frank Kohlasch, climate director at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, said about 7 percent of new cars sold then should be electric. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which is the largest source of emissions in Minnesota.

Kohlasch spoke with MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner on this week’s Climate Cast. Click play on the audio player above or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.