Research Projects

This report presents the results of a 1990-1992 assessment of electric and hybrid-electric technology status and the outlook for its commercial introduction in California. It also includes a detailed study of the air pollutant emissions impacts potentially attributable to the eventual widespread use of electric vehicles in the South Coast Air Basin. Findings suggest that mass-market electric battery-powered passenger cars are nearing commercial readiness and are likely to be introduced in California by major automakers in the mid-1990s. Principal problems deal primarily with battery technology but appear solvable. A variety of public policy and regulatory actions are suggested to further encourage EV use. The study's assessment of potential EV-induced emissions impacts in the SCAB found that large net in-basin emissions reduction benefits would be gained from large scale EV deployment over the next 20 years, confirming the results of other similar independent studies.