If you are planning to buy a new Ford F-150 or a Toyota RAV4 later this year, you might want to place your order now.
A storm is brewing on the lots of Delaware dealerships. It stems from a regulation adopted back in 2023, which is finally set to hit the pavement this year. It’s called “Advanced Clean Cars II” (ACC II), but most locals just call it the “EV Mandate.”
While politicians in Dover are fighting over whether to keep or kill the rule, the reality for car buyers is getting messy. The mandate officially targets Model Year 2027—which, in car industry terms, begins arriving on lots in the fall of 2026.
Here is why your local showroom might look very different this year, and why dealers are sounding the alarm.
1. The “43%” Magic Number
Under the current regulations, manufacturers are required to deliver a specific mix of vehicles to Delaware dealerships.
- The Quota: For Model Year 2027, 43% of all new passenger vehicles delivered to the state must be Zero Emission Vehicles (EVs or Plug-in Hybrids).
- The Math Problem: Currently, EV adoption in Delaware is nowhere near 43%. Dealers argue that if they are forced to fill nearly half their lot with electric cars that aren’t selling fast enough, they won’t be allocated enough of the gas-powered trucks and SUVs that Sussex and Kent County drivers actually want.
2. The “Cross-Border” Squeeze
Why not just buy a car in Maryland or PA?
- The Maryland Factor: Maryland also adopted the California rules. This creates a regional “squeeze” where gas-powered inventory is tighter across the entire Delmarva peninsula.
- The PA Loophole: Pennsylvania did not adopt the mandate. This has local dealers terrified that Delaware residents will simply drive across the line to Chesco or Delco to buy their gas cars, taking tax revenue and business out of the state.
3. The Governor vs. The Rule
This is where it gets confusing for everyone.
- The Politics: Governor Matt Meyer has publicly stated his opposition to the mandate, signaling in 2025 that he intends to scrap or modify it.
- The Uncertainty: However, unravelling a state regulation takes time and legal maneuvering. As of January 2026, the rule is still technically on the books. Manufacturers—who plan their production schedules years in advance—are already making allocation decisions for the 2027 model year. They can’t wait for a press conference; they follow the printed law.
4. What This Means for You
If the mandate stays in effect for the fall rollout:
- Inventory Shortages: Popular gas models (especially V8 trucks and large SUVs) could become “allocation constrained.” You might have to wait months for a specific trim level.
- Price Hikes: Basic supply and demand. If the supply of gas cars is artificially capped while demand remains high, “market adjustment” fees could return.
- The “Compliance Car”: Expect to see a lot more aggressive deals on EVs. Dealers will be desperate to move that 43% inventory to avoid penalties, meaning 2026 might be the best year ever to lease an electric car, even if you weren’t looking for one.
The Bottom Line
Whether you view it as a necessary step for the climate or government overreach, one thing is certain: The “wait and see” period is over. The 2027 Model Year is fast approaching, and Delaware is about to find out what happens when the rubber meets the regulation.
Does this mandate make you more likely to buy an EV, or are you heading to Pennsylvania for your next truck? Tell us in the comments.
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