Automakers are coming under increasing pressure to sell zero-emission vehicles to U.S. consumers who haven't shown much interest in them, with more states following California's lead in setting sales targets. Nine states, including New York and New Jersey, have adopted versions of California's goal of having electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered models reach 15 percent of its new-car purchases by 2025. Automakers face fines and potentially restrictions on sales for not reaching the targets.
One model made to meet the standards, Honda Motor Co.'s plug-in electric Fit, had total U.S. sales of 83 through May 2013.