ULEV my heart in San Francisco
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Something’s afoot up north. “Our aim is to make the Bay Area -- and eventually California -- the electric vehicle capital of the U.S.,” says San Francisco’s mayor, Gavin Newsom. Along with San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, Newsom has announced a nine-step policy plan to set up a recharging infrastructure and promote the use of EVs.
Beginning this month (December 2008), these steps are (take a deep breath) ...
- The expedited permitting and installation of electric vehicle charging outlets at homes, business, parking lots and other buildings throughout the area;
- Incentives for employers to install EV charging systems in their workplace and provide similar incentives to parking facilities and other locations where EV charging stations can be installed;
- The harmonization of local regulations and standards that govern EV infrastructure for EV companies as well as expanded range for EV users;
- The establishment of common government programs that promote the purchase of EVs;
- The linking of EV programs and infrastructure to regional transit and air quality programs;
- The establishment of programs for pooled-purchase orders for EVs in municipal, state government and private sector fleets, and future commitment of purchasing preference for EVs;
- The expedited permitting and approval for facilities that provide extended-range driving capability for EVs in the region, through battery exchange locations or fast-charging;
- To identify and secure suitable 110-volt outlets for charging low-voltage EVs in every government building in 2009;
- A plan for 220-volt EV charging equipment at parking lots and curbside parking. Phew.
A private enterprise is involved. It’s called Better Place and describes itself as a “global electric transportation company.” Commercial availability of electric cars is expected to begin in 2012. Better Place estimates its investment in the area will total $1 billion by the time the system is up and running. The three mayors also anticipate other such companies taking part in this initiative.
“California is already a world leader in fighting global warming and promoting renewable energy,” says Gov. Schwarzenegger. “This type of public-private partnership is exactly what I envisioned when we created the first ever low carbon fuel standard and when the state enacted the zero emissions vehicle program. This partnership is proof that by working together, we can achieve our goals of creating a healthier planet while boosting our economy at the same time.”
It looks like electric cars are really coming to California. “Whether you like it or not,” as Newsom has been known to say.