TSRC

California's emissions reduction goals for criteria air pollutants (CAPs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) have encouraged policies that support plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). This paper explores current and planned policies that promote PEVs, potential emissions benefits from PEV adoption in California by 2020, and future policy directions. The reviewed policies include the zero-emission vehicle regulations, the low-carbon fuel standard, and the clean car standards, which all require GHG reductions. Policies prompted by the California Public Utilities Commission Alternative-Fueled Vehicle...

Electric vehicles (EVs) of various types are experiencing a commercial renaissance but of uncertain ultimate success. Many new electric‐drive models are being introduced by different automakers with significant technical improvements from earlier models, particularly with regard to further refinement of drivetrain systems and important improvements in battery and fuel cell systems. The various types of hybrid and all‐electric vehicles can offer significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions when compared to conventional vehicles on a full fuel‐cycle basis. In fact, most EVs used under most...

Advances in electric-drive technology, including lithium-ion batteries, and strong policy drivers, such as the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), have contributed to a more promising market in California for the widespread introduction of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs)—comprised of plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, significant technological, market-related, and institutional barriers remain. High battery costs, infrastructure requirements, and consumer unfamiliarity with PEVs create hurdles to the widespread commercialization of PEVs and thus shroud...

A proposed strategy for facilitating the introduction of electric-drive vehicles calls for vehicle purchasers to own the vehicle but to lease the battery from a third party to help reduce the first-cost hurdle to consumers. A further extension of this concept for all-battery electric vehicles (EVs) would include the ability for consumers to exchange their discharged batteries for charged ones at battery swap stations. This factor would extend the driving range for EV service subscribers but with increased costs to build and operate the stations. This analysis centers around a base-case...