Electric Vehicles

Energy researchers and modelers projected expected greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions associated with the Inflation Reduction Act when it was passed into law in 2022. They predicted by 2030 there would be 37-42% reduction from 2005 GHG levels. 18 months after the law’s passage, some of the same researchers issued an updated report on progress in the transportation and electric power sectors to see if their projections are still on track.

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is underway and accelerating after the California Air Resources Board’s adopted rules and Governor Newsome’s Executive Order that will prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered cars and light vehicles by 2035. An emerging topic from this transition is about where the rubber meets the road: tires!

The California Energy Commission (CEC) today approved a $95 million plan for critical clean transportation investments to expedite the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and help the state reach its climate, air quality, and other goals. The plan also focuses on closing an anticipated gap in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and increasing program benefits to disadvantaged communities.

The plan calls for:

In a sweeping action today, Governor Gavin Newsom released an Executive Order announcing that by 2035, all new cars and trucks sold in California will be zero-emissions. The transportation sector is responsible for more than half of the state's greenhouse gas emissions.