What’s happening? CalTrains modernization program will add 19, 7 car electric trains with a mix of funding including 2008 bond proposition proceeds. The largest funding share will be federal. Why is this important? CalTrain says it will increase ridership and revenue will decreasing costs. How will this be important? Lather, rinse, repeat. Electric trains are […]
Monthly Archives: May 2021
Testing Electric Trains for Mass Transit
What’s happening? New Jersey is testing electric trains. Why is this important? Electric trains are seen as an offset for rebuilding infrastructure and as a viable replacement to diesel trains. How will this be important? Replacing infrastructure or building infrastructure for electric trains, could be a costly endeavor. If this pilot plays out as cost […]
New Issue for EV Chargers: Equity
What’s happening? The ACEEE, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, says 6 of 36 states consider social equity in its EV charger plans. Why is this important? California statutorily requires at least 35% of utilities’ funding for EV charging equipment go toward underserved communities & New York’s Public Service Commission ordered utilities to invest […]
Study Says EV Owners Switch to Gas Cars
What is happening? A new study from the University of California, Davis, published in the journal Nature Energy last week, says 18% of EV owners from 2015-2019 switched back to gas vehicles. Why is this important? It also held for hybrid owners with 20% switching back. How will this be important? The key factor for EV users […]
Ride Share Moves Away from Autonomous Cars
What is happening? Both Lyft and Uber have sold off their self driving car businesses. Why is this important? Cited factors for the sale included the challenge for autonomous vehicles in urban areas. How will this be important? Autonomous vehicles and urban areas remain challenging and autonomous delivery services are emerging. Its all first impression […]
Parking Regulations. Meet EVs.
What’s happening? There is a brewing movement to limit the number of parking spaces or “vehicle storage.” We’ve seen it in Austin where hotels are permitted without any parking. Why is this important? The pandemic changed how sidewalks, roadways, parking lots are utilized. The advocates that want to remove parking space limitations believe that parking […]