Regulators for California’s air-quality are retreating from their previous goal of seeing electric vehicles in the thousands on roads.

According to a staff report, it is recommended that the board reduce the number of electric cars required for automakers to put up for sale.  Instead, the focus is to be placed on hybrids that are less expensive.  This allows consumers to put their money towards an auto warranty and maintenance, and not waste money on gas. This would still make a dramatic cut in pollution, and it would save $2 billion for the auto industry through year 2017.

Regulators are only asking for 27,500 vehicles to be introduced that are no-emission between the years 2012-2017.  In comparison, the existing mandate called for 75,000.

As the vote comes nearer, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger might give a nudge on the numbers.  The governor has been a big promoter of hydrogen vehicles with zero-emissions, and wants to set a fast pace to reduce the reliance on gasoline in California.

It seems to be the right time for a shift.  With gas prices at $4 per gallon, consumers have demonstrated that they are willing to pay for hybrid cars.  Motorists don’t want to pay the high has prices, so they can put their money towards an auto warranty and maintenance.  California may be setting a hybrid trend for the entire country.