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The introduction of electric vehicles has posed many challenges for cities. Many cite a lack of infrastructure, insufficient policies, and a general apprehension of the new technology. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the challenges, the lack of charging infrastructure, and the need for stronger city policies to encourage the use of electric vehicles. Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of how to overcome these issues, and move forward with the adoption of electric vehicles in your city.
Unprepared for the new wave of electric vehicles
While California is paving the way for a greener future, cities like San Francisco are lagging behind. While electric vehicles account for just 11 percent of new car registrations in San Francisco, the city plans to double that number by 2040, if not sooner. A key factor in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles is improving access to charging stations. With 70 percent of the city’s population living in multi-unit dwellings, public charging and off-street parking are difficult to find. Additionally, public charging anxiety is a huge barrier to EV adoption.
Fortunately, this new trend is not only affecting the auto industry but the city itself as well. While automakers are investing billions in developing new EV technology, San Francisco is unprepared for the wave of electric vehicles coming to town. Many companies are already investing in R&D and are planning to go all-electric within 10 to 15 years. Moreover, according to the World Economic Forum, President Joe Biden has set a goal of having half of the cars sold in the U.S. be electric by 2030. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids only make up about three percent of the market.
As a result of the recent surge in metal prices, the price of EVs is expected to rise by at least $1,000. A Morgan Stanley report pointed out that the cost of EVs could increase by another thousand dollars in a few years. The rise is marginal at this point but could make purchasing an EV difficult for some. In addition, the rising cost of batteries can strain the material supply chain.
Lack of charging infrastructure
A recent study shows that 27% of public EV charging stations in San Francisco do not work. Drivers have problems with unexpected shutoffs, broken plugs, and payment difficulties. The problem of unreliable charging stations is not unique to San Francisco. The study examined 657 charging plugs in 181 public stations in nine Bay Area counties. However, it excluded Tesla charging stations. The study’s lead author, retired bioengineer David Rempel, said the lack of charging infrastructure is a growing concern for EV drivers in San Francisco.
While the city wants to make it easier for drivers to charge their electric vehicles, the complicated permitting process makes it difficult for consumers to find a charging location. Mayor London Breed’s legislation aims to make the permitting process easier for electric vehicle charging stations, but it is unclear if it will have the intended effect. A review of the proposal is currently underway by the City Council. This bill would require developers to follow the city’s zoning rules and create a clear path for EV charging stations.
California is striving to reduce greenhouse gases by 40% by 2030. The lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the state of California is hindering the transition from gas-powered vehicles to cleaner alternatives. The state cannot meet its goal if it is unable to achieve its carbon-reduction target. While the state may have a low carbon footprint, the lack of infrastructure will discourage drivers from making the switch. But the California Energy Commission hopes to overcome these problems by improving charging accessibility and reliability.
Need for stronger city policies
To promote the use of electric vehicles in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Clean Cities Coalition supports legislation to create a multi-agency program called Drive Clean Bay Area, which promotes the use of electric vehicles and other green technologies. The goal is to encourage more people to buy EVs and use them to get around the city. The city has already passed the Commercial Garage Ordinance, which requires businesses to install ten percent of their parking spaces with EV charging stations.
This legislation will modernize San Francisco’s Planning Code and make the city’s land-use zoning more compatible with electric vehicles. It will also encourage the development of robust EV charging networks and create a clear pathway for automotive sites. This legislation will make it easier to attract private investors and lay the groundwork for widespread EV adoption. It also provides a framework for public-private collaboration, which is necessary to address the demand for EVs and the grid considerations related to EV charging.
Governor Arnold Schwarzene recently appointed a special advisor to help the mayor implement the Climate Action Plan. The plan details strategies and supporting actions to achieve net-zero emissions for the city by 2040. It includes specific actions in the transportation and land use sectors. By 2040, electric vehicles will account for nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the Bay Area. This could create a $120 billion windfall for battery manufacturers.https://www.youtube.com/embed/BP6_KNZzJVM