The members of the Global EV Alliance are working on different EV topics in their own countries. EV policy positions of all members are shared as resources for all members and are the basis for ad-hoc collaboration and reference by members where synergetic policies exist and align. Topics we work on are:

  1. Policies to encourage and enable EV purchase
    • Adopting ZEV standards

The ZEV state standards require that automakers supply a certain percentage of ZEVs of all their car sales to that state or purchase credits from other automakers to meet the state requirements. Successfully advocating for new states to adopt the LEV and the ZEV standards is one of the most important tools to expand electric vehicle adoption because it signals to automakers, consumers, and policymakers that the manufacturing, sales, and adoption of EVs is a priority.

    • Direct sales legislation

Direct-sales legislation enables EVs to be available for purchase directly from the auto manufacturer. In some states, only auto dealers are eligible to sell and service vehicles, which forces companies that only make EVs and not gasoline powered vehicles (such as Tesla) to apply within that state for certification to sell directly to consumers.

    • Vehicle rebates and tax credits

Increasing purchase incentives for EVs has a significant effect on total EV sales, particularly among lower- and middle-income consumers who may not be able to afford higher upfront costs, even though they will save money on fuel and maintenance. EVs are not yet at price parity with gas vehicles or the mass-market stage and therefore financial incentives help consumers make the switch to driving electric and to narrow that first-price market gap.

    • Sales – tax exemptions

For auto dealers, a sales-tax exemption is easy to explain and administer, with no additional steps to take on behalf of the consumer. For the consumer, a sales-tax exemption requires no eligibility requirement and doesn’t require the consumer to provide additional cash or a higher loan upfront.

    • Used EV incentives

There are an increasing number of used-EV incentives, which can take the form of a straight rebate, a “cash for clunker” program, or a reduced charging rate from local utilities. These incentives are important to make EVs even more affordable to historically underserved communities and lower-income households.

    • HOV lane access

Programs that allow EVs to use highway lanes designated for high-occupancy vehicles (HOV lanes) are an important element in the suite of policies that promote vehicle electrification. HOV lane access can save drivers an hour or more a day through reduced commute times, thus serving as a powerful driver of EV purchases.

    • Zero and low interest loans for consumers

Financing programs can help lower-income customers purchase cars. Now, some financing programs are offered solely to purchase EVs, offering low- or even zero-interest loans.

    • Waived or reduced vehicle registration fees for EV drivers

While some places have increased EV fees, at least a few have gone the other direction and have reduced fees to provide an additional incentive and signal to the market.

    • Rebates for low-income drivers

Many states, localities and utilities have equity-focused programs or components of their transportation electrification rebates, which encourage EV adoption by folks at all financial levels.

2. Policies to electrify light duty vehicles, public transportation, bus fleets and car sharing

    • Transit bus fleet upgrade commitments

Transit agencies across the globe are committing to switch from fossil fuel powered transit bus fleets to fully electric buses. While the upfront cost of electric buses are higher than the cost of diesel buses, the total cost of ownership is far lower than that of diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

    • School bus electrification

There is an emerging opportunity for the electrification of school buses, of which almost all currently run on diesel fuel. Not only do electric school buses offer lifetime fuel and maintenance savings of up to $170,000, they also offer significant environmental and public health benefits over school buses powered by fossil fuels.

    • Public transport electrification program
    • EV car-sharing programs

Community-based electric car-sharing programs can increase the access to sustainable, affordable, and efficient mobility solutions for underserved communities.

3. Policies for charging infrastructure

Owners of gas-powered vehicles have many options when it comes to choosing gas stations, but for people who drive electric cars, fueling happens differently—whether it’s at home, at work, or on the go. That’s why, as the growth of electric mobility continues to gain momentum, the need for large-scale charging networks is becoming even more pressing.

    • Corridors programs

Highway corridors with access to DC (direct current) fast chargers are an important element of achieving widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Such corridors are key to enabling long-distance driving and reducing range anxiety.

    • Charging infrastructure funding and financing

As states and localities confront greatly diminished budgets due to the drop in revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative financing methods and funding sources can play an elevated role in developing charging infrastructure to support the growth of EVs.

    • Networks interoperability and open access

In a world with an ever-increasing number of EV service providers who offer varied models for access and pricing, public officials should set basic ground rules for charging-station access and fair rate policies, payment options, and pricing transparency, to provide EV drivers with a positive charging experience.

    • EV ready wiring codes and Ordinances

EV-ready Building Codes are one of the most effective and low-cost strategies for states and local governments to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. More than half of all vehicles today do not have reliable access to a dedicated off-street parking space at an owned residence. Overcoming this charging-access shortfall requires a greater focus on expanding charging access to larger structures such as multifamily unit dwellings, workplaces, and commercial properties.

    • EV infrastructure at multiunit dwellings

EV drivers who live in a multiunit dwelling, such as an apartment building, should not give up hope of driving and charging EVs at or near home. Policies removing restrictions for electric vehicle supply equipment installation at MUDs are on the rise, which is crucial to further EV adoption by this demographic.

    • Streetlight and power pole access

One option for curbside EV charging involves using the existing electrical infrastructure provided through streetlights and power poles. These streetlights can host Level 1 or possibly Level 2 EV charging stations, depending on power supplied to the streetlight and the capacity on the streetlight’s electric circuit.

    • Right-of-way charging

Cities should begin planning to incorporate charging into the urban streetscape over the long term. This can take many forms, but most importantly, city policy should support clusters of fast chargers in highly visible on-street locations. Such charging is especially important to support ride-hail drivers, taxis, and other high-mileage vehicles.

    • Protecting EV designated parking spots

If the driver of an internal combustion engine vehicle is parked in an EV-only designated spot, someone’s plan to charge up while shopping for groceries could be thwarted, and it may become hard to complete the rest of the journey. Some jurisdictions are realizing that preserving areas for EV drivers to charge their cars is an important concern and have begun implementing parking regulations for public charging stations to prevent this.

    • Infrastructure in underserved communities

States and utilities also offer incentives for EV charging infrastructure specifically designated for underserved communities. In addition to purchase incentives for low-income folks, investment in their needed charging infrastructure is essential to allow equitable EV adoption.

    • Policies to enable workplace charging

Workplace charging provides a solution to two of the largest barriers to electric vehicle adoption: consumer awareness and lack of charging infrastructure. For people without access to home charging, workplace charging can provide a much-needed low-cost source of fuel to support the decision to purchase an electric vehicle. Greater exposure to electric vehicles owned by colleagues and easily available charging infrastructure combine to provide a positive reinforcement for EV adoption.

4. EV – utility investments

Utilities have an important role to play in accelerating deployment of EV charging infrastructure, which leads to increased EV adoption and expanded access to the benefits of vehicle electrification to presently underserved market segments.

    • Investor-owned utility program

Regulators have approved programs for investor-owned electric utilities to support the adoption of EVs, including investments in EV charging infrastructure. These include utilities installing thousands of charging stations and investing money in EV outreach and education.

    • Public utility program

Municipal or publicly owned utilities are controlled by a city or local government body that administers utility services. These nonprofit organizations are run either by public employees or by locally elected officials, as opposed to private investor-owned utilities that select their leadership via a shareholder-elected board.

5. Consumer education and protection

    • Ride & Drive events

Nothing gets people more excited and sold on the idea that an EV could work for them than a ride & drive event. These opportunities give people the chance to kick the tires and check out EVs for themselves, so they can see just how easy a transition it is. These might include parades, an EV showcase at existing festivals, or just an event where people can swap EV stories with neighbors at a driveway party. Many drive electric events aim to combat the stereotypes and myths often associated with EVs and EV drivers.

    • Open access and interoperability

In a world with an ever-increasing number of EV service providers who offer varied models for access and pricing, public officials should set basic ground rules for charging-station access and fair rate policies, payment options, and pricing transparency, to provide EV drivers with a positive charging experience.

6. Recycling policies

    • Vehicles and batteries

While the batteries in EVs are typically under warranty by the automaker for eight years, they can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years or longer without losing much capacity to hold a charge, depending on how the vehicle is driven and charged. However, it is important to establish the foundation for strong battery recycling programs and policies now.

    • Infrastructure and « wallboxes »

7. Barriers to auto dealer selling EVs

Consumers are missing vital information at the dealerships about charging, incentives, and other related technology, and often find limited options for EV models. Offering an incentive to dealers to sell EVs helps to overcome this hurdle. Providing training and certification for dealers on the EVs is another way to overcome this barrier.