A start up in Kansas, Integrated Roadways, created a smart road that imbeds wifi, sensing technology, and EV charging into pavement. The ultimate goal is to create public road infrastructure that is a financially self-sustaining asset. The company says it will create incentives for the states to keep the roads maintained.
public opinion on self driving cars
68% of American drivers are nervous about self driving cars. Last year it was 55%. AAA is calling it a “dramatic decline in trust”
The Hill | Nearly 70 percent of motorists nervous about self-driving cars: AAA survey
EV Chargers at Interstate Rest Stops?
A 1956 federal law prohibits EV charging at rest stops on inter states. The Federal-Aid Highway Act limits what can be sold at rest stops and EV charging is not on the list. Now you know, like an after school special…
11 Alive | VERIFY: Are EV charging stations banned interstate rest stops?
MS stops Direct Sales of EVs
HB 401 (2023 | MS) would prohibit direct sales of EVs in Mississippi. EVs would have to be sold through independent dealerships. Current law in Mississippi allows a dealer to obtain a dealer license and sell vehicles. HB 401 would undo current law.
State Legislation Paves Way for FORD EV Battery Plant
Michigan HB 4016 (2023 MI) devotes $630 million to acquire land and build infrastructure for a new Ford EV battery plant. This is addition to the economic develop awards for Ford. Ford has been cleared for $1 billion in incentives, including a $210 million grant and a waiver of property taxes.
Bridge Michigan | Michigan lawmakers clear $1.3B spending bill with $630M for Ford EV battery plant
Meet the 1st : Level 3 Autonomous Vehicle Test
Mercedes Benz autonomous vehicle test in Nevada is the first in the nation to receive a Level 3 testing designation. A level 3 designation means that a car to operate itself under certain conditions. Nevada is known for its friendly regulatory system for autonomous vehicles.
“Nevada law allows for autonomous vehicle companies to operate their systems in the state as long as the operator submits a certificate of compliance to the Department of Motor Vehicles. These compliance certificates are completed by the companies and the DMV doesn’t certify or test the vehicles, according to Kevin Malone, public information officer for the DMV.”
Governing | Mercedes-Benz Approved for Level 3 Autonomous Vehicle in Nevada
Lower the Gas tax. Increase Tax on EVs
Utah wants to lower the gas taxes and add a new excise tax on electricity charging for EVs. HB 301 (2023 | UT) The gas tax would decrease from 16.5% to 14.2%. The excise tax on EV charging would be a new 12.5% tax on electricity from charging stations. Opponents say this creates a 3 layer taxation on EVs as EV owners currently pay sales and franchise taxes if they use charging stations that have a fee.
Salt Lake Tribune | Gas would be cheaper and charging EVs more expensive if this bill passes
Georgia’s EV Charging Plan
Georgia is moving along with HB406 (2023 | GA) that would allow retailers to charge EV drivers for electricity by the kilowatt hour. Currently EV car owners are charged by how long the EV is connected to the charger. Drivers would pay an excise tax on the electricity, the rate would be set by the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Legislative Support for E-Bikes
States leading e-bike incentives: California, Colorado, Connecticut and Hawaii. Cities leading on e-bike incentives: Austin, Texas; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Columbus, Ohio. Incentives range from cash purchase incentives, rebates after purchase. California is setting its sights on a $50 million expanded e-bike incentive program.
Governing | Governments Aim to Reduce the Big Barrier to E-Bike Adoption: The Price
OH Governor’s New Rules for Trains
After the recent train derailment and chemical clean up, Ohio’s Governor is considering reforms for trains traveling in Ohio. He wants reforms to reduce the number of cars carrying flammable liquids to meet the threshold for a high hazard flammable train.
The Ohio crash and chemical plume was caused by 5 cars, far below the current threshold of 30 cars with flammable liquid.