GM pushes for national electric vehicle program

General Motors on Friday called for a national program modeled on California's zero-emission vehicle sales mandate.

"A single, 50-state solution will help move the U.S. to a leadership position in electrification," said GM CEO Mary Barra. "The stakes are high, and time is short." GM is expanding its fleet of electric cars and would benefit from such a "National Zero Emission Vehicle (NZEV) program."

The proposal includes, among other elements, the extension of a federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases that otherwise expires soon, plus a requirement that at least 25 percent of automakers' fleets be electric or hybrid vehicles. The percentage would be adjusted using a credit swap system, in which companies that do not meet the quota can buy credits from those exceeding it.

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Honda has also called for stricter environmental standards for vehicles in the form of rising federal mileage requirements. Both companies' stances put them in opposition to the Trump administration's efforts to roll back Obama-era car regulations and limit the ability of states like California to impose stricter rules within their borders. Automakers prefer a national system so they do not have to adjust their manufacturing standards by state.