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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 not high speed rail trains.
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 efficient, its a program to be replicated.
NJ.com via Governing | NJ Transit Begins Testing Viability of Electric Trains
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 in charging with special considerations for LMI and environmental justice communities
How will this be important? States are still crafting EV charging policies.
T&D World | ACEEE Study: Few States, Utilities Ensure Equity in EV Charging Investments
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 giving up the ghost- lack of reliable Level 2 charging at home. EV charging is a hot topic for regulatory agencies with players at every level from utilities to car manufacturers to tech who run the software or machines to construction regulations, to actual construction.
Road Show by CNET | Surprising number of EV owners switch back to gas power, study says
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 stuff and open for business.
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 lot policy is EV charging policy.
How will this be important? Determining where to situate EV chargers is complex- 80% of charing occurs at home, but some homes aren’t in areas that are pre-disposed to buy an EV. The challenge for law makers is how to make charger policy equitable.
Greater Greater Washington | How EV chargers intersect with parking reform
What is happening? California is moving a jay walking repeal in the Freedom to Walk Act
Why is this important? Has the support of statewide bike association which called jaywalking laws, “regressive and oppressive laws in the dustbin of history”
How will this be important? Repealing Jaywalking is gaining ground.
What is happening? EV Connect philosophy focuses on sustainability and it partners with local businesses and schools in the Southern California Edison Charge Ready pilot program
Why is this important? The company talks about support for like-minded local businesses that are building a sustainable future
How will this be important?EV Connect platform works seamlessly with all charger types and manufacturers leveraging open standards
AJOT | EV Connect to help expand California charging infrastructure under $436M EV program
What is happening? GoFor says EVs reduce emissions, drivers to make more money, and lower total cost of ownership is less as is there less frequent maintenance and lower fuel costs.
Why is this important? EV isn’t limiting itself to personal vehicles, it is delivery robots, local
How will this be important? It is happening. Don’t miss it. Amazon has made commitments. UPS has invested heavily. USPS is plugged in.
Industry Week | What’s Driving EV Push Within Delivery Space? And Can It Deliver?
What is happening? A bipartisan coalition in DC, the Problem Solvers Caucus, have endorsed a gas tax increase to fund infrastructure
Why is this important? “The time is now for Congress and the administration to reach across the aisle, unite and boost investments in our surface transportation network that will move our transportation systems into the 21st century,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.), the co-chairman of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
How will this be important? As political divide in Capitol Houses remain slim by margins, it leads to effective bipartisan solutions.
Wall Street Journal | Bipartisan Group Backs Gas-Tax Increase as Option to Fund Infrastructure