Marco Rubio says California electric car plan is ‘self-defeating’: People will ‘charge their cars with coal’

sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., rejected California’s plan to ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, arguing that until there is new battery technology, electric cars will still depend on fossil fuels for power.

During a news conference at Resurrection Muscle Cars in West Palm Beach, Florida, Rubio answered a question from Fox News Digital about the California ban, which the state approved shortly before a heat wave prompted residents to stop charging their electric cars. to limit. .

“Well, if they switch to all battery-powered cars, I think they’re going to charge their cars with coal and natural gas, because that’s how you produce electricity because they don’t like nuclear power plants.” remarked Rubio. “And I don’t think you can generate enough power for a state like California from sun and wind. So ultimately it’s self-destructing.”

Rubio did not oppose the idea of ​​electric cars in general, and he was even convinced that there will be technological advances that will make them practical and more common.

SOME STATES IN LIMBO AFTER CALIFORNIA’S NEW ELECTRIC AUTOMANDATES

“I don’t think you’re going to get there through government mandates that force you to get to that point,” he said.

Republicans criticized the California ban when shortly afterward, the state’s power grid operator said a heat wave over the Labor Day weekend could prevent people from charging their cars in the evening to ease the burden on the grid.

GOP LEADER SLAMS CA POWER OPERATOR TO DEMODE EV CHARGING DURING HEAT WAVE AFTER VOTE TO BAN GAS CARS

“I think the folly of it is that you’re going to ban electric cars by 2030, but you’re telling people please don’t charge your electric cars during the day because it puts pressure on the electric grid,” Rubio said.

The Florida senator reiterated that he thinks the US will “get there” when it comes to electric cars on time.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

“But if you try to get there before the science gets there, all you’re going to do is get ridiculous results, heavier loads, higher costs, and eventually people go to Nevada and buy gas-powered cars and bring them back to California.” he said.