Carbon Neutrality Webinar Series: Accelerating the Adoption of Zero Emission Cars in California

DATE: July 7, 2021

TIME: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (PDT)

EVENT OVERVIEW: The UC Institute of Transportation Studies (UC ITS) recently released a state-commissioned study - Driving California’s Transportation Emissions to Zero - that identifies scenarios and related actions for achieving a carbon-neutral transportation system in California by 2045 while also improving equity, health, and the economy. Policies to encourage the production, purchase, and use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) across light-duty vehicle types and sizes (i.e., cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks) is the leading strategy for California to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Specifically, California must shift the light-duty vehicle market from about 10% ZEV new car sales today to 50% in 2030 and close to 100% by 2040. This webinar will present scenario modeling results for how the ZEV market will need to grow and evolve in order to meet ambitious vehicle electrification targets. The modeling results and related policy recommendations will be compared to the recent work published by the California Air Resources Board as part of the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations and the recent assessment of California’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure needs performed by the California Energy Commission. The webinar will also address total cost of ownership of these vehicles at different stages in the transition, and equity implications in terms of who has access to these vehicles.