Green Mountain Times

Matt Walker, the state representative for Vermont’s Franklin-4 District, expressed concerns regarding the challenges faced by auto dealerships under current electric vehicle (EV) mandates. He cited limited vehicle availability, insufficient charging infrastructure, and a market unprepared for the transition as key issues. Walker made these remarks in an interview on April 6.

"Vermont dealers are facing a very difficult situation," said Walker. "I would venture to guess that there are more than ten Vermont Car Dealerships struggling with the EV mandates. I am concerned about our local dealers and their employees."

According to Atlas EV Hub, Vermont adopted California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations in December 2022. These regulations require an increasing percentage of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission starting with model year 2026, reaching 100% by 2035. This initiative aligns with Vermont’s climate targets under the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2020.

The Climate Programme Portal reports that as of April 2023, Vermont had approximately 9,500 plug-in passenger vehicles, accounting for about 1.5% of the state’s total fleet. To achieve its EV adoption targets, the state estimates it will need at least 150 additional DC fast charging plugs by 2025. Vermont also plans to ensure public fast charging within one mile of every interstate exit and every 25 miles along state highways.

Since 2014, Vermont has invested over $3.5 million in public EV charging infrastructure, installing 41 fast charging stations and 89 Level 2 stations across all 14 counties, according to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD). These investments have positioned Vermont as first in the nation for public EV chargers per capita, with 114 stations per 100,000 residents. Electric vehicles are now present in 92% of Vermont communities.

Walker is a member of the Vermont House of Representatives representing the Franklin-4 district since his appointment in 2022. Born in Rutland and raised in Brandon and Northfield, he holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of Vermont. Before his legislative career, he spent two decades in international logistics as a licensed U.S. Customs Broker and currently owns and operates the Vermont Clothing Company in St. Albans with his wife and three children.