Gasoline Phaseout News – June 2024
Final Maine Climate Council Report Calls for EV Incentives To Gasoline Superusers
The Maine Climate Council’s Transportation Workgroup just published its final transportation policy recommendations report; which recommends targeting EV programs and incentives to target “specific groups such as (gasoline) Superusers, which are drivers often residing in more rural areas who typically average more than 40,242 miles per year.”
The workgroup recommendation to target gasoline Superusers (drivers in the 10% percent in the US for in terms of gasoline use) comes on the heels of a Coltura report showing that Maine Superuser households spend on average $8,562 annually on gasoline— representing 13.6% of their income, versus other households at 5.6%. Maine also ranked 10th in the nation for the share of rural Superusers in a new analysis from Coltura on gasoline use in rural areas.
The Council will consider these recommendations while updating Maine’s Climate Action Plan later this year. Coltura will work with allies to promote policies targeting EV incentives to those most in need.
Bill to Help the Most Gasoline Burdened Low-Income Drivers Clears Key Hurdles in CA Senate
The Coltura-backed bill to update California’s Clean Cars for All program cleared two Senate committees this month with no Senators voting against it. The passage of AB 2401 through the Senate Environmental Quality and Transportation Committees, came in the wake of a unanimous 72-0 vote in the California Assembly.
A recent UCLA analysis emphasized the need for the revised EV incentives being proposed in AB 2401. The study showed that only 15% of California’s state EV incentives went to households in disadvantaged communities. AB 2401 seeks to improve the targeting of low-income EV by steering them disadvantaged communities with lower-income, high-mileage drivers with older, high-polluting vehicles.
The bill will be considered by the Senate Appropriations committee later this summer. Coltura and our allies are working hard to get the bill passed by the Senate before the session ends at the end of August.
Coltura Data Insight of the Month: The Massive Impact of Long Distance Trips
According to new Coltura research, over 75% of US gasoline is consumed on trips longer than 10 miles. EVs are capable of covering more than 300 miles on a charge with zero tailpipe emissions— making them a practical and sustainable alternative for the three-quarters of gasoline consumption caused by trips of greater than 10 miles.
By converting frequent drivers of longer trips to EVs, the US can achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions and move closer to our climate goals.
Several Long Range EVs Now Cost Less than Average Gasoline Vehicles
Because they drive so many miles, Gasoline Superusers need affordable long-range EVs to transition from gasoline cars. Three manufacturers, Tesla, Hyundai-Kia, and General Motors, are now offering EVs with more than 300 miles of range for less than the $47,000 cost of the average new US vehicle, according to new reporting from Bloomberg.
Hyundai’s 2024 Ioniq 6 has a range of 361 miles and a price of $43,600, the Chevy Equinox EV with 319 miles of range costs about $35,000 after the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, and the 320-mile Tesla Model Y costs around $37,500 with the federal tax credit.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Support Our Work: Advancing Tangible, Positive Change Across the Nation
Your support is crucial in our ongoing efforts to accelerate the transition from gasoline to electric vehicles. Coltura is helping advance critical policies with bipartisan support, including a groundbreaking EV incentive bill in the California Assembly and similar initiatives in other states, driving progress across the nation.
Together, we’re driving towards a cleaner, more equitable future.
Every contribution helps us continue this vital work to reduce emissions and build a sustainable planet for future generations. Support our work to make a difference today.
Want more stories like this in your inbox? Sign up below for your free subscription to Gasoline Phaseout News!
Gas Station of the Month: Mobil in Hallandale Beach, FL
A massive explosion at a gas station in Hallandale Beach, FL created a 50 foot crater and severely injured a man. The explosion was caused when vapors from an underground gasoline storage tank ignited.
Culture Corner: A Lamppost EV Charging Solution
EV charging company Voltpost has revolutionized urban EV charging by retrofitting existing lampposts with chargers— making it easy to charge your vehicle on city streets like those in New York, Chicago, and Detroit.
Installation is quick and cost-effective, requiring no construction or complex permitting. This innovative solution expands access to affordable and convenient charging, especially in underserved communities.
