The state of California is making a big push towards electric vehicles, with Gov. Gavin Newsom announcing that Tesla is now allowing about 10,000 of its charging stations to be used by other manufacturers’ vehicles. This move comes as California aims to maintain its dominance in the electric vehicle market and transition away from traditional gas cars towards a low-carbon, green growth future. With 25% of new vehicle purchases in the state now being electric, having fast, public access to EV charging is becoming increasingly important.
In response to tighter emissions laws and tax credits aimed at encouraging the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, California is working towards building 500,000 new public EV charging stations by 2022. Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, and EVgo chargers provide fast DC charging, which can boost a vehicle from 10% to 80% in under an hour. This accessibility to charging infrastructure is crucial not only for the state’s goals but also for climate activism on a national level.
California currently has around 105,000 public EV charging stations, or one for every five gas stations. The state’s commitment to zero-emission vehicles is evident in its high sales numbers, ranking fourth in the world in zero-emission vehicle purchases behind only China, the entire US, and Germany. Newsom’s executive order in 2020 mandating all new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035 has had a ripple effect, with eight other states following suit. California’s influence in leading the charge towards electric vehicles is evident in these policy changes.
The focus on electric vehicles is not just about reducing emissions and combatting climate change, but also about improving air quality and reducing the impact of wildfires in the state. Newsom has emphasized that cars should not contribute to worsening wildfires or melting glaciers, highlighting the need for a transition to cleaner transportation options. With about 500,000 zero-emission vehicle drivers in California already owning home chargers, the state is making strides towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Overall, the expansion of public EV charging infrastructure in California is a significant step towards encouraging more drivers to switch to electric vehicles. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, reducing emissions, and combating climate change, the state is leading the way in promoting clean transportation options. By increasing accessibility to charging stations and promoting the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, California is setting an example for the rest of the country to follow in the transition towards a more environmentally friendly transportation sector.
