California utility energy savings goals now account for fuel-switching potential

State regulators want efficiency program administrators to "start developing infrastructure to roll out electrification programs now," said Mohit Chhabra, a senior scientist with NRDC's climate and clean energy program.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 29, 2021

Denver creates new role to advance building decarbonization incentives

As buildings and homes account for 64% of the city's GHG emissions, it created what's believed to be a first-of-its-kind role to support new strategies after voters greenlit a $40 million Climate Protection Fund last year.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 29, 2021

State, federal actions show growing push for a nuclear role in reaching net zero emissions

Former critics of nuclear power agree, financial support may be justified for firm power options to tackle climate change and get over the net zero emissions finish line.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 28, 2021

Portland, Maine, to bulk-purchase clean energy equipment in electrification push

The “Electrify Everything” campaign focuses on voluntary measures. “If someone wants to decarbonize 100%, that’s great. But we know most people want help just taking the first step," said the city's sustainability coordinator.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 24, 2021

House committee sets aside $4B for transportation carbon reduction initiatives in reconciliation bill

The legislation requires the Federal Highway Administration to set greenhouse gas performance metrics, wherein states would set emissions targets and receive incentives to meet those goals.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 22, 2021

Volvo, Amply Power partner on uptime and cost savings for electric trucks

Charging and management are among the challenges fleets face when it comes to EVs.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 22, 2021

Congress must commit to electric vehicles

China's continued dominance in electrification would result in a severe competitive disadvantage for the United States, sending jobs, new investments and intellectual capital overseas, the authors write.

By Ben Prochazka, Shelley Francis, Jeff Allen and Joel Levin • Sept. 21, 2021

US can meet Paris climate commitments but will need to rely heavily on electric utilities: report

A new analysis outlines approaches for the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 52% below 2005 levels by 2030. Meeting that target depends on the power sector contributing more than half the total reductions.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 21, 2021

City leaders should expand their purview of electric transportation beyond cars, experts urge

Bringing electrification to underserved communities will require access, collaboration and outreach, and an emphasis on electrifying school buses, public transit, ride-share and more, panelists at an ICF webinar said last week.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 17, 2021

Money and range: Experts note roadblocks to EV adoption

The smaller the truck, the smaller the battery, which is why fleets such as PepsiCo's target medium-duty vehicles for electrification.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 15, 2021

3 cities enter accelerator program to help achieve 100% zero-emissions commercial vehicles by 2030

Chicago, San Diego and San Jose, California, each won $100,000 to reduce emissions through local initiatives that include a cargo e-bike pilot and zero-emission neighborhood zone. 

By Cailin Crowe • Sept. 7, 2021

Schneider taps California electric transportation incentives to add 50 trucks

Large fleets are leading the charge in the transition to electric trucks, in part because of the upfront costs required.

By S.L. Fuller • Sept. 6, 2021

When there's a will, there's a way: Building the foundation for municipal EV infrastructure

Electric vehicles are no longer a novelty. Local leaders can begin to expand their EV infrastructure by first building the local will and political capital, while also investing in workforce development. 

By Celeste Frye • Sept. 1, 2021

Tesla made electric trucks 'cool.' Now fleets face financial hurdles.

Total cost of ownership for electric trucks is more attractive than diesel, a Navistar executive said at ACT Expo. But issues around charging are significant.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 1, 2021

Tesla plan to sell electricity in Texas would cut out the 'middleman'

The company's move to leverage its solar and storage buildout could make it a unique player in Texas' electricity market, one analyst said.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 1, 2021

Residential electric panels represent a nearly $100B 'roadblock' to full electrification, report finds

Up to 48 million U.S. homes may require electric panel upgrades in order to charge electric vehicles or switch away from appliances now running on natural gas or other fossil fuels, according to research from Pecan Street.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 31, 2021

As PNW utilities contemplate building decarbonization, affordability concerns linger

Decarbonization experts say all-electric new construction is more economic, but Puget Sound Energy sees a continuing need for natural gas in the near term. 

By Kavya Balaraman • Aug. 25, 2021

Solar power in trucking's forecast as fleets find energy, cost savings

Marten Transport, Mesilla Valley Transportation and Rush Enterprises are just a few industry players betting on the power of the sun.

By Heather Larson • Aug. 25, 2021

Electrifying 97% of the federal fleet by 2030 could save billions: report

More than $1 billion in savings would come over the lifetime of light-duty vehicles and buses if the federal government fleet switched to EVs, a new Atlas Public Policy report finds.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 23, 2021

California brainstorms approaches to a high-DER grid of the future

Multiple groups that commented on a sweeping new rulemaking at the California Public Utilities Commission urged regulators to prioritize affordability.

By Kavya Balaraman • Aug. 20, 2021

UL, Hyundai to partner on evaluation of EV batteries for energy storage

The project will focus on second-life applications for electric vehicle batteries. The companies say their partnership could also offer valuable data on lithium-ion battery safety risks.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 18, 2021

DOE planning public-private partnerships to develop new battery chemistries, supply chains for EVs

Battery cost and availability are key bottlenecks for electric vehicle adoption, but the federal government and private sector are confident about the next decade of technology developments.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 13, 2021

California greenlights first-of-its-kind energy code to encourage electrified buildings

Regulators estimate the 2022 Energy Code will generate $1.5 billion in consumer benefits over the next three decades, as well as reduce 10 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

By Kavya Balaraman • Aug. 12, 2021

As Senate passes infrastructure bill, Democrats eye opportunity for more energy spending

A $3.5 trillion budget resolution, approved by the Senate early this morning, contains more tax credits and incentives for renewable energy, including a clean electricity payment program.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 11, 2021

'An enormous lift': Biden's goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 will test supply chains, utilities, experts say

Utilities say they can meet the anticipated growth in electricity demand for charging, but right now "there is in no way, shape or form the availability of the raw materials to produce these vehicles" in the U.S., some analysts warn.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 10, 2021