SHOPSMART AUTOS – CUSTOMER INFORMATION – JANUARY 30, 2021-1
With bans on gas-powered vehicles, here are key steps to increase EV equity
In September, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that, by 2035, sales of all new passenger vehicles will be zero-emission — significantly reducing demand for fossil fuels in California’s fight against climate change. Some Californians are thrilled: “Electric vehicles are great to drive, make neighborhoods cleaner and quieter, and help keep fossil fuels in the ground.” Others resist the change: “Don’t limit our choices or our range.” Views differ, but there’s a common concern: How will everyone be able to afford EVs? Ariane Erickson, who manages the Karl Knapp GoEV Program at Palo Alto-based environmental nonprofit Acterra, defines EV equity as low-income residents’ ability to find and take advantage of the many EV rebate and grant programs available to them. Acterra runs English- and Spanish-language clinics to help low-income people apply for rebates and grants best suited to their incomes, needs and preferences. Startup EV Life looks at EV equity as making it easier for anyone to find and finance an electric car. “It’s particularly exciting to make it more affordable for drivers in lower-income and disadvantaged communities to switch to EVs,” said EV Life Founder and Presidio Graduate School alumnus Peter Glenn, “because they have been disproportionately affected by higher rates of air pollution.” We also believe EV equity includes the ability for everyone to have access to charging, regardless of where they live or work. ChargePoint, an EV charging technology company, defines EV equity as “the ability for any person of any income level to drive or ride in a vehicle fueled by electricity.” “We also believe EV equity includes the ability for everyone to have access to charging, regardless of where they live or work,” Anne Smart, VP of public policy at the company, added. At Presidio Graduate School, we see affordability of EVs as being both an equity and a diversity factor. Some of our professors reserve an empty seat in their classroom representing those who are not able to join the discussion. Although most new product and service adoptions are at first expensive before becoming more affordable, it’s time to buck the old way of targeting markets that inherently exclude those not usually in the room. Social media — featuring people of color standing by their EVs obtained through the trade-in program — has been effective in pulling in applications. “We are changing perceptions,” said Rebecca Fisher at Clean Cars for All (CCFA). “We see and are glad about the social push toward equity in society, and hope to see this push also in transportation.” CCFA is funded by California’s billions of cap-and-trade dollars through California Climate Investments (see Moving California), which strives to curb greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. Make It A Champion Day!
Tags: 2019 Subaru Forester Touring, 2020 BMW iX3, 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, 2020 dodge charger, 2020 EQC, 2020 Ford Super Duty, 2020 Honda Pilot, 2020 Kia Optima, 2020 Mercedes Benz, 2020 Nissan Versa, 2020 Subaru WRX STI, Audi SUV, BMW, Brandon K. Hardison, Chevrolet Car, Chevrolet Sonic, Dodge charger, electric vehicles, honda, Honda Pilot, Hyundai SUV, Mercedes Benz, Nissan Rogue, SUV, upcoming car, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line, Volvo Car
Trackback from your site.
