Eight U.S. States Plan to Put 3.3 Million Zero Emission Vehicles on the Roads

The ultimate goal is to reduce greenhouse gas and smog-causing emissions by transforming the transportation sector over the next 11 years.

So far, auto manufacturers have rolled out more than two dozen models in these categories and they have developed a solid foothold in the automobile market. Photo Courtesy: www.autoevolution.com

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Eight U.S. states; Oregon, California, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, have announced a collaborative effort to put 3.3 million zero emission vehicles on the roads by 2025.

The “Multi-State ZEV Action Plan”, is the first ever bi-coastal collaboration aimed at paving the way for the cleanest cars in the nation - ZEV’s. The plan focuses on infrastructure, policies, standards and other components critical for the success of a growing market.

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber said “We’ve taken significant steps in Oregon to accelerate EV adoption, including public-private initiatives like the West Coast Electric Highway and the designation of a statewide EV officer. This action plan gives Oregon and other partner states specific next steps to not only build on and expand current efforts, but to see them through.”

"We're putting a foot on the pedal to get more clean cars on the road," California Governor Jerry Brown said in a statement. "This is real action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." The governors of the eight states began the collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on October 24, 2013. The ultimate goal is to reduce greenhouse gas and smog-causing emissions by transforming the transportation sector over the next 11 years.

Since the MOU signing, state regulators, the auto industry and infrastructure developers and other stakeholders have shared information and best practices to help move the effort forward. The plan covers wide range of vehicles including plug-in hybrids, battery electric and hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles.

So far, auto manufacturers have rolled out more than two dozen models in these categories and they have developed a solid foothold in the automobile market. As of April 2014 there are nearly 200,000 nationwide, and sales have doubled over the past year alone, with more than half of those sales occurring in the MOU signatory states.

State of Oregon Chief EV Officer Ashley Horvat echoed the Governor’s comments. “I am confident given the level of rigor applied in the Plan’s creation and the momentum coming from a diverse and large swath of actors, public-private strategic partnerships will emerge that can propel the industry towards a future with smart, clean, economic and efficient mobility options.”

The plan has 11 key actions that fall into three major categories:

I. Build the market:

1. Promote the availability and effective marketing of ZEVs

2. Encourage private fleets to acquire ZEVs

3. Promote planning and investment in ZEV infrastructure

4. Increase the number of ZEVs in government vehicle fleets

II. Provide consistent codes, standards and tracking:

5. Remove barriers to charging station installation

6. Provide clear and uniform signage

7. Track and report progress toward the 3.3 million vehicle goal

III. Improve the experience:

8. Promote workplace charging

9. Provide consumer incentives for the purchase of ZEVs

10. Remove barriers to retail sale of electricity as vehicle fuel

11. Promote access and compatibility for charging networks

Creating a growing market for ZEVs also provides a range of economic and long -term benefits. Electricity is widely available and generally costs less than gasoline or diesel on a per-mile basis. Maintenance costs for a ZEV are also lower over the life of the vehicle. The push for clean vehicles has also brought investment in new business and new jobs which will help create a more sustainable U.S. economy.