While a great deal has been done to advance electric vehicle technology, the fact remains that these vehicles still represent less than one percent of total global auto sales. And while that number is projected to grow to more than 25 percent by 2030, a number of municipalities are hoping to assist this progress through regulatory action.
It's estimated that the transportation sector accounts for 14 percent of global greenhouse emissions. And while this offers motivation for change, there are still the harsh realities of electric vehicle costs and the significant infrastructure investments that will be necessary before the universal adoption of EVs can be realized. However, that hasn’t stopped a collection of governments from taking steps to encourage electric vehicle ownership. For example:
- In Norway, electric vehicle owners don’t have to pay for municipal parking or tunnel and ferry fees. They can also charge or refuel their electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles for free and drive in the bus-only lanes.
- In Shanghai, buyers receive a $4,400 purchase subsidy and get free licenses plates. This second benefit may not sound like a big deal, but in their effort to limit a growing number of vehicles on the road, China auctions off a set number of plates each year – with bids often reaching as high as $12,000.
- By 2020, London will have a section of the city dubbed an ultra-low emission zone, which means any vehicle in this area that doesn’t meet stringent emission standards will face a daily charge.
In the U.S., California has taken notice of these global influences. Armed with a legacy of establishing tougher emissions standards than the EPA and with some $800 million coming its way after the Volkswagen diesel emissions cheating scandal settlement, the state could be positioned to make some aggressive moves. Some of these steps could include constructing an electric vehicle infrastructure and adding more intense restrictions on traditional vehicles.