LOS ANGELES - (AFP) - Twenty percent of new cars sold in California in 2022 will be electric or two-wheel drive vehicles, according to what was announced Friday by the state authorities, which rank first in the US auto market and seek to be at the forefront of transformation. in the field of energy.

And the state authorities announced in August that they had approved a text prohibiting the sale of new cars that run on gasoline or diesel fuel by the year 2035.

"California continues to lead the zero-emissions vehicle revolution with forward-looking policies and investments that encourage innovation," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

And the state's energy authority indicated on Friday that 18.8% of new cars sold during 2022 are electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen-powered. This proportion was only 2% ten years ago.

A third of the cars sold are vehicles manufactured by Tesla, owned by Elon Musk.

California alone is responsible for 40% of sales of this type of car in the United States, while its market share is growing rapidly.

However, electric cars are still more expensive than traditional ones, and only an aid provided by the authorities in the amount of $ 7,500 may enable a person to buy an electric car.