A handful of U.S. states have announced their intentions to collaborate on driving a higher level of adoption for zero-emission vehicles through the new ‘Multi-State ZEV Action Plan.’
Partner states California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont – which together represent approximately 25% of all new-cars sales in the U.S. – will ‘develop infrastructure; coordinated policies, codes and standards; and a consumer market primed to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.’
The new plan builds on the states' initial announcement in October 2013.
‘This plan is a triple 'win' for participating states because it brings energy, environmental and economic benefits,’ said Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. ‘Under the blueprint provided in this plan, we will continue with our efforts to provide a convenient network of charging stations for electric vehicles, add EVs and fuel cell vehicles to the state's fleet, and build out the hydrogen infrastructure needed for fuel cell vehicles expected to be available for the 2015 model year.’
ZEVs include plug-in, battery-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen-powered fuel-cell EVs. The states are touting OEMs' efforts to introduce ZEVs in the marketplace – more than 20 makes and models so far.
Central to the states' plan are 11 ‘Key Actions’:
- Promote the availability and effective marketing of ZEVs
- Encourage private fleets to acquire ZEVs
- Promote planning and investment in ZEV infrastructure
- Increase the number of ZEVs in government vehicle fleets
- Remove barriers to charging station installation
- Provide clear and uniform signage
- Track and report progress toward the 3.3 million-vehicle goal
- Promote workplace charging
- Provide consumer incentives for the purchase of ZEVs
- Remove barriers to retail sale of electricity as vehicle fuel
- Promote access and compatibility for charging networks
To access the full plan, click here.
