The non-profit Plug In America has partnered with the Sierra Club environmental organization on the creation of a model for state and local policies to accelerate electric vehicle adoption.
The policy guide, called AchiEVe, is focused on growing the electric vehicle market at both state and local levels. Vehicle rebates, tax credits and HOV lane-promoting policies all have a place in there, but so do proposals to expand access to charging infrastructure, aid for disadvantaged communities and the promotion of consumer protections.
“Access to charging infrastructure is one of the greatest barriers to increased EV adoption,” Katherine Stainken, policy director with Plug In America, said. “This toolkit looks at a number of ways to increase access and install more charging stations – not only through updating building codes, but also through innovative programs and partnerships, such as streetlight charging programs, utility investments, and right-of-way charging programs.”
Part of the basis for the toolkit is an examination of states and cities that have already implemented each policy, examining their efficacy. The goal, however, is a guide that is adaptable to each state or community interested. Mary Lunetta, campaign representative for Sierra Club’s Electric Vehicles Initiative and one of the report’s authors, indicates that in this way they hope to make electric vehicle adoption both effective and fair.
“The EV market is growing rapidly, but we need strong policy to support the market’s transition from the early adopter phase into the mass market stage,” Lunetta said.