Climate Science and Policy

Year after year if you look outside your car window while on the road, it is increasingly likely that you will see an electric vehicle (EV), especially in California. Fantastic as this is for the mitigation of climate change, we are still a long way from roads filled entirely with EVs, and that is partially due to deficiencies in EV charging infrastructure. Believe it or not, this is not the first time the United States has struggled with this specific issue. Our automotive history provides keen insights into the societal forces which aim to prevent the proliferation of EVs. Another of these roadblocks is cost, which can be reduced through creative means such as the use of second-life batteries, renewable energy systems, and load management solutions in our charging infrastructure. Reducing the cost of charging infrastructure and making it more ubiquitous is key, as a process that lacks equity will spell doom for all Americans regardless of their socio-economic background. Legislation historically has been the most effective way to spur the automotive industry into action and that is precisely what I recommend we must do. Passing AB 1738 in California will be a significant step in the right direction, providing a framework to fit existing housing, both single and multi-family, with EV charging infrastructure. Transportation electrification has the potential to remedy specific injustices of the past few centuries, paving the way for a brighter future for everyone.