I am a member of the Davis
Electric Vehicle Association. I support the adoption of the
Advanced Clean Cars II regulation to achieve greater carbon
pollution reductions, which will reduce the deleterious effects of
Climate Change. In addition, earlier acceptance of electric
vehicles will lead to better improvements to air quality and public
health in California. However, I think California can do much
better than these requirements and easily achieve the goals of the
ACC II regulation faster than proposed. To achieve those greater
goals, CARB needs to continue to work with other state agencies to
improve infrastructure supporting electric vehicles, including
better charging opportunities, throughout the state. The benefits
of driving an electric vehicle are obvious and demonstrative. The
auto manufacturers know electric vehicles benefit their bottom
line, through lower manufacturing as well as operation costs.
Manufacturers are moving ahead strongly with new EV models hitting
the market place in just the next year or two. However, the general
public still needs better information to overcome initial
reservations of EVs. The best ambassadors to put out the
“good word” on EVs are the EV drivers participating in
the many Electric Vehicle Associations in California.
CARB staff and other
California agencies need to reach out and work with these
non-governmental groups to promote EVs throughout California.
Californians enjoy talking to individuals in these associations
since they represent “real people” who drive EVs daily
in their lives. Californians need to hear about real issues related
to EV driving and hear the stories of association members about how
they are rewarded in lower costs of operation and maintenance, and
features available only to EVs. They need to hear ordinary
individuals dispel the many detrimental EV myths hindering
acceptance. We cannot get to higher EV sales and acceptance by
regulation alone. I’ve heard the impact members of my
Association have in dispelling EV myths and misinformation. They
can talk candidly with the people who attend our electric vehicle
fairs about benefits and fun in driving an electric vehicle. This
regulation may be step #1. Acceptance will require promotion by
California’s million EV drivers. CARB and other state
agencies need to work with the EV associations and provide them
with the information and materials necessary to promote electric
vehicles benefits to California’s residents. Outreach by
these non-governmental associations and individuals, with real
world credibility on EV issues, will greatly spur EV adoption
necessary to meet and surpass your ACC II goals.
High gas prices have brought
the benefits of electric vehicles to the attention of all
Californians. Manufacturers are working hard to provide the new EV
models for everyone’s needs. CARB needs to work with the
non-government EV associations and their members to close the gap
in EV acceptance. I strongly encourage CARB to create a liaison
office to work directly with California’s Electric Vehicle
Associations in order to create electric vehicle promotion events
throughout California.
Richard Bode
Davis Electric Vehicle
Association, Leadership Board
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