The New York Times reports that global sales of electric and hybrid vehicles have surged over the past few years, rising from 4 percent of sales in 2020 to 29 percent today. That’s good news for anyone seeking energy independence in these turbulent times, and for the environment over the long run. In the U.S., though—one of the most car-dependent countries in the world—sales have slipped slightly, even as gas prices remain high. Our sales of electric and hybrid vehicles are just under 6 percent.
EV
Building more EV chargers is great. They also need to work
As state DOTs continue to build out an extensive network of electric vehicle chargers, those chargers also need to work consistently. Charging reliability isn’t always fully in a DOT’s control, and many agencies have only recently taken on responsibility for charging infrastructure. Even so, DOTs can still adopt a “fix it first” approach, as some do with their roadways, prioritizing keeping chargers functional as they develop their public networks. Doing so can accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, often a key piece of DOT sustainability goals and climate targets.
To effectively transition to zero-emission vehicles, many barriers need to be addressed
Electric vehicles (EVs) will be critical for meeting ambitious climate goals at the national, state, and local levels, but their rapid adoption continues to face challenges. This wrap-up touches on the latest barriers that are essential to overcome.