Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his historic $10 billion zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) package. It aims to speed up the transition to zero-emission automobiles while combating climate change. Governor Gavin Newsom’s broader strategy to solidify California’s role as a world leader in crafting an oil-free future includes this package.
Gavin Newsom Says California Is Working Hard
This $10 billion ZEV package builds on Governor Newsom’s first-in-the-nation action to transition the automotive industry to all-electric by 2035. It leverages California’s market dominance to accelerate the global transition to zero-emission vehicles and drastically reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels. Electric automobiles have become one of California’s biggest exports, with the state accounting for half of the country’s ZEV market. These initiatives target the single most significant source of pollution in California: the tailpipe.
Governor Gavin Newsom recommended injecting an additional $6.1 billion to accelerate the transition, building on last year’s landmark $3.9 billion investment in zero-emission vehicles. Among the significant investments are:
Low-Income Zero-Emission Vehicles and Infrastructure: $256 million for low-income consumer purchases and $900 million to expand access to inexpensive and convenient ZEV infrastructure in low-income regions. These funds will be used to plan and deploy several charging solutions to help communities, such as grid-friendly high-power fast chargers and at-home charging.
Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles and Infrastructure: $935 million for 1,000 zero-emission short-haul (drayage) trucks and 1,700 zero-emission transit buses; $1.5 billion for school transportation programs, including advancing electric school buses in a coordinated effort between educational, air pollution, and energy agencies; $1.1 billion for zero-emission trucks, buses, and off-road equipment and fueling infrastructure; and $400 million for zero-emission trucks, buses, and off-road equipment.
Zero-Emission Mobility: $419 million to fund long-term community-based transportation equity projects that boost low-income areas’ access to zero-emission mobility.
Developing Prospects: $200 million will be spent on demonstration and pilot projects in high-carbon industries like maritime, aviation, rail, and other off-road uses, as well as large-scale vehicle grid connectivity.
