The counties of Santa Clara and Marin held their position amongst managers in zero emission vehicles across California in 2024 New state data.

The market share for such vehicles within the district was 40.1%, reported the California Energy Commission. The illustration relies on data collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles, encompasses battery, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell electric vehicles.

“For comparison: The state average was a little more than 25%, so that Marin continues to lead in the introduction of electric vehicles and did not find the decline of 2024 that some other areas were the case,” said Anne Richman, Executive Director of the Transportation Authority of Marin, on the meeting on February twenty seventh. “So we continue to try to support that.”

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The rate places Marin in second place among the many 58 counties of the state. The district's rate has been steadily increased for greater than a decade, as the information show. In 2014 the speed was 7.7%. This rose to 25.9% by 2021 after which 37.7% in 2023.

Santa Clara County had the very best market share of zero emission vehicle with 42.8%. Alameda, who held second place for 2023, took 37.7%under Marin. According to the information, San Francisco was 35.6%.

The Marin drivers bought 4,929 battery, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell electric vehicles in 2024 in comparison with 4.416 within the previous 12 months.

Tesla Model Y made up 1,025 of those purchases. Further purchases included 478 Tesla model 3 vehicles, 81 model x vehicles, 61 cybertrucks and 58 model vehicles.

Other popular vehicles were sold the Rivian R1s with 278; The Audi Q4 E-Ttron, sold at 133; the Audi Q5 sold with 105; and the BMW i4 sold with 131.

The drivers within the state bought 443,374 zero emission vehicles, with the most well-liked Tesla model Y and Model 3 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

According to the California Air Resources Board, around 30% of the sales of zero emission vehicles within the United States in California are in California.

Cory bytof, program manager for sustainability at San Rafael, said the state leadership demonstrates the change. According to the California Air Resources Board, latest vehicles with the state's zero emission vehicle regulation within the 2035 model 12 months 2035 in model 12 months 2035 should be achieved 100% zero emission and cleansing agent hybrid electrocot.

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“The manufacturers have reacted and now there are so many types of vehicles with good reach that people are much easier for people to find something that meets their functional and other needs,” said bytof.

“Expand our local programs and guidelines by helping to enable a streamlined charger to enable more charging templates in the workplace and close the knowledge gap,” said bytof. “These are achieved through cooperation with our partners such as MCE, Transportation Authority of Marin and Ride and Drive Clean.”

Ride and Drive Clean is a collaboration between non -profit organizations, agencies, cities, schools and corporations with the aim of reducing carbon emissions by promoting the introduction of electrical vehicles. Carleen Cullen, the manager director, said Marin made great progress within the EV adoption, however the residents in residential buildings and municipalities with lower incomes are left behind.

“Now new cost-effective charging solutions are available for residential buildings, and drivers with low incomes can achieve savings of up to $ 20,000 with a new or used EV,” said Cullen. “The challenge is awareness – many individuals have no idea that there are these programs. Further public relations and education are the important thing to make sure that everyone has the chance to turn into electrical. “

According to Cullen, potential tariffs and the possible cancellation of the federal government's tax credit could be more difficult for some drivers to make the change. In view of this uncertainty, those who consider EV want to buy soon instead of waiting, she said.

Accessible, she said that the EV load will be more accessible, since most drivers can now use Teslas Supercharger network or will be able to be able to be able to do so very soon.

Bill Carney, based in San Rafael,, a board member of the Marin Climate Action Network and sustainable environmental groups in San Rafael, said that gas cars send more than half of the climate pollution. So it is great that Marin belongs nationwide among managers in zero emission vehicles.

“In order to achieve our goal of the district and our state net in the next 20 years, it is important to further close the gap. Otherwise, the climate crisis will probably get out of control, ”said Carney.

Carney encourages the communities of the district and the Marin to organize annual events for vehicles and test vehicles. He said that the state and MCE, formerly Marin Clean Energy, would have to keep the discounts and incentives active in the face of the likelihood of the federal government.

“Now we’ve to proceed to contribute greater than ever on site and push even harder nationwide,” said Carney.

On Wednesday, the Bay area Air Quality Management District started its “fee!” Programming subsidies, accepting applications for at least $ 10 million in funds to compensate for the costs for the purchase and installation of new chargers for light electric vehicles.

Qualifying projects would take place in residential buildings, parking spaces, jobs and other locations. Financing is available to companies, homeowners' associations, non -profit organizations, public bodies and tribes.

“By priorating the EV financial means for disadvantaged and low-income communities, we may help to make Electric driving one of the best option for all residents of the Bay Area,” said Philip Fine, Executive Officer of the District.

The application deadline is open until June 6th. You can find information at bit.ly/3fay2ii.

Originally published: March 7, 2025 at 11:12 a.m. PST

Recognized blues-rock musician Barry Goldbergwho was a part of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band when it accompanied Bob Dylan on his legendary electric performance on the otherwise acoustic Newport Folk Festival in 1965, died on January twenty second.

He was 83.

Goldberg, who also performed/recorded with Steve Miller, Muddy Waters, Leonard Cohen and Stephen Stills and lots of other famous musicians “died in hospice care after a decade-long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,” in response to publicist Bob Merlis. “Gail Goldberg, his wife of 53 years, and son Aram were at that bedside.”

The great blues-rock keyboardist, who was also a bandleader, songwriter and producer, was born on Christmas Day 1942 and grew up in Chicago, where he nurtured his love of music and quickly rose through the ranks of the Windy City's keyboardists. As the story goes, Goldberg was still a young person when he shared the stage with Chicago blues legends like Muddy Waters, Otis Rush and Howlin' Wolf.

Goldberg was also still in highschool when he met and befriended top guitarist Mike Bloomfield, and the 2 aspiring artists soon made a reputation for themselves within the Chicago blues scene. They eventually joined the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, which might help shock the folks music world – and far of the remaining of the world – once they supported Bob Dylan as he went electric on the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.

Now widely considered some of the famous/infamous performances within the history of popular music, this electrifying moment is featured prominently within the Oscar-nominated Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Goldberg co-produced albums/songs for Percy Sledge, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, the Textones and even Dylan himself. An completed songwriter, Goldberg wrote songs that were later recorded by Rod Stewart, Gladys Knight, Joe Cocker, Steve Miller, Bobby ” Blue” Bland, Gram Parsons, BJ Thomas and others were recorded.

Despite his many different roles in the music business over the decades, Goldberg remained first and foremost a Chicago bluesman. Therefore, he was the ideal choice to lead the Chicago Blues Reunion, a group that over the years has also included Sam Lay, Nick Gravenites, Harvey Mandel, Corky Siegel, Tracy Nelson, Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy Vivino, Marcy Levy and others Artists mattered.

In lieu of flowers, Goldberg's family requests that donations be made to The Bear League in the celebrated musician's name savebears.org.

Originally published: January 22, 2025 at 1:17 pm PST

By DAMIAN J. TROISE

NEW YORK (AP) — Demand for electric vehicles is predicted to proceed rising this 12 months, but uncertainty over policy changes and tariffs clouds the forecast.

Tesla, BYD of China and other manufacturers face big unknowns in 2025. Donald Trump's presidency could mean major policy shifts in taxation and other incentives for each electric vehicle manufacturers and consumers. The threat of import tariffs and retaliatory tariffs worldwide could further complicate the production and sale of electrical vehicles.

“There's just a lot of uncertainty in the air,” said Stephanie Brinley, deputy director of auto intelligence at S&P Global Mobility. “It’s not an environment where you necessarily want to become a gangster.”

In the US, consumers can currently claim a federal tax credit of as much as $7,500 for certain recent electric vehicles. Automakers also benefited from some government support for electric vehicle production and infrastructure. It's possible that every one of this will probably be scrapped under President Trump.

Trump condemned the federal electric vehicle tax credit through the presidential campaign. He called it a part of a “green new scam” that may hurt the auto industry. Still, the brand new government is predicted to push for broader deregulation of the industry, which could potentially help automakers.

Some of the larger electric vehicle manufacturers had a mixed 2024, although there have been advantages for consumers and manufacturers. Tesla sales fell 1.1%, the primary annual decline in greater than a dozen years. Rivian shipments rose 2.9%.

Tariffs are one other threat to the industry. Production takes place worldwide, with parts imported and exported throughout the method. Trump has threatened to tax imports from Mexico, Canada, China and elsewhere, which might likely result in retaliatory tariffs.

China is the biggest marketplace for electric vehicles, followed by the USA. Within the US, Tesla is the dominant electric vehicle manufacturer with a market share of around 50%.

Like many other industries, automakers are waiting to see whether Trump follows through on his threat to repeal tax credits and impose tariffs.

The entire automotive industry is proceeding with caution. Overall, S&P Global Mobility expects light vehicle production to have declined 1.6% in 2024 and to fall one other 0.4% in 2025.

This is because automotive manufacturers are higher aligning production and demand. Total sales of sunshine vehicles are expected to proceed to grow by 1.7% in 2025.

The ongoing switch to electric vehicles can also be contributing to more moderate production. Companies like Ford and General Motors are shifting a few of their production capability to electric vehicles as an alternative of adding more capability.

Originally published: January 9, 2025 at 10:59 am PST

Tesla Inc.'s Cybertruck is eligible for U.S. tax credits of as much as $7,500 for the primary time this 12 months. This is a component of a restructuring under stricter rules that got here into force on January 1 and likewise now exclude other electric vehicles from federal subsidies.

The number of electrical vehicles and plug-in hybrids that currently qualify for a credit is currently 18 models, down from 22 last 12 months, in line with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. The credit reclassification, a part of the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden, tightens domestic procurement requirements for battery parts and the raw materials used to make them.

The decline within the variety of qualified electric vehicles comes as overall demand for battery-electric models has weakened and President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened to finish the federal grant program, prepares to take office later this month.

New automotive buyers even have income and vehicle price restrictions which will affect eligibility for the subsidy.

Volkswagen AG's ID.4 crossover has lost its full $7,500 tax credit, in line with the federal government's latest listing. Some other electric vehicles and plug-ins from Ford Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co., Rivian Automotive Inc., Stellantis NV and VW Group that previously received as much as $3,750 at the moment are ineligible.

For more stories like this, take a look at Bloomberg.com

©2025 Bloomberg LP

Originally published: January 2, 2025 at 11:21 am PST

DETROIT – Electric vehicles have had one other tumultuous yr across the globe, driven by buyers in China and growth in parts of Europe and the United States despite headwinds.

For China, the world's largest automobile market, it was a milestone that electric vehicles accounted for 50% of recent automobile sales in July. These included pure battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Chinese corporations like BYD have gotten increasingly vital worldwide with their inexpensive electric vehicles.

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Electric vehicles were also produced Progress in Europe and the US Uncertainty over purchasing subsidies could complicate matters from 2025, particularly under the brand new Trump administration within the US. But mainstream consumers remain serious about recent models, longer ranges, higher performance and lower prices.

The transition to electric vehicles is a vital a part of the clean energy transition. Road traffic is eliminated around a sixth According to the International Energy Agency, there are emissions from energy worldwide. Widespread adoption of electrical vehicles could significantly combat climate change.

Here are five facts about electric vehicles this yr. Most of the information comes from the consulting company Rho Motion.

How well did electric vehicles sell?

The global electric vehicle market, including pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, grew 25% year-on-year in November.

Rho Motion estimates that 15.2 million electric vehicles could have been sold worldwide by the top of the yr, and the International Energy Agency expects electric vehicle sales to achieve one in five cars sold worldwide. Most were in China.

Where has the EV share of recent cars increased essentially the most?

According to Rho Motion, Mexico sold about five times as many electric vehicles this yr as last yr, mostly from Chinese automaker BYD.

Other regions price highlighting include the UK, which has seen a rise of around 17% because the start of the yr. This is interesting in comparison with France and Germany, where sales fell.

In Turkey, the electrical vehicle market has grown nearly 50% because the starting of the yr, driven by Tesla's entry into the market last yr and increasing sales at Togg, a Turkish automaker.

In Norway, which has been leading the share of electrical vehicles for years, 90% of recent cars were electric.

What was the best-selling electric vehicle worldwide? In the United States?

According to Rho Motion, the best-selling pure electric vehicles were the Tesla Model Y, followed by the Tesla Model 3 – each worldwide and within the USA.

The Model Y SUV got here onto the market in 2020. The basic version costs almost $45,000 today.

The Model 3 got here onto the market in 2017. The least expensive version costs around $42,000.

Both were eligible for a US tax credit of $7,500

Is the image of Tesla changing?

According to Rho Motion, Tesla's market share was 17% of all electric cars worldwide as of October.

In the US, Tesla's market share was 49% through October. This means the corporate still has the biggest market share in electric vehicles. But its influence is waning as other automakers collectively sell a growing number of electrical vehicles. For example, GM, Ford, Honda and others are offering a wider range of electrical vehicles at lower prices and in smaller sizes, narrowing Tesla's long-standing lead.

Tesla stays the most respected automobile company on the planet with a market value of $1.4 trillion.

Originally published: December 26, 2024 at 10:29 am PST

By Chris Isidore | CNN

New York – The best time to purchase an electrical vehicle might be now. That's because a $7,500 tax credit could soon disappear.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he may eliminate the tax credit as soon as he takes office. It's even conceivable that the elimination of the tax credit might be retroactive to early January, which might give electric vehicle buyers just every week to be certain they're securing the credit.

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“I would be very inclined to say, yes, it will go away,” said Ivan Drury, director of insights at automobile buying site Edmunds. While it's unclear exactly how Trump would eliminate the credit, Drury said he doesn't expect it to last long in the brand new administration. This might be done as a part of the tax bill that Republicans are promising in early 2025. Or a Trump-controlled Internal Revenue Service could simply issue a brand new rule making the credit now not available.

“The easiest route possible is the one they’re probably going to take,” Drury said.

But the tax credit is only one reason potential electric vehicle buyers will want to act sooner fairly than later. The combination of federal tax incentives and declining sales could make this a great time to buy an electrical vehicle.

Declining demand from American buyers and greater collection of electric vehicle models led to record inventories of electrical vehicles on dealer lots earlier within the 12 months, and this oversupply stays. Drury said 64% of electrical vehicles in dealerships are last 12 months's models, nearly double the speed of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Automakers traditionally launch next 12 months's models in the autumn fairly than waiting for the brand new 12 months.

The oversupply of electrical vehicles and increasing competition have led to long-established automobile manufacturers offering attractive financing terms to attempt to bring the older electric automobile models to market. Data from Edmunds shows that the common lease payment for non-Tesla electric vehicles has fallen 40% because the start of 2023, driven way more by the decline in transaction price alone. The difference is that the common rate of interest on the lease has been reduced by greater than half.

“If you buy an electric vehicle now, not only can you be sure you'll get the electric vehicle tax credit that may not be around for much longer, but you'll also get incentives from automakers that can't convert them,” Drury said. “You’re doubling down. It’s not going to get better.”

Industry let down

The lack of the tax credit and the inevitable weaker demand that might result could cause legacy automakers to cut back their electric vehicle production even greater than they have already got, Drury said. Therefore, the incentives which are now being offered could also disappear.

The auto industry will likely fight to get the tax credit. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry group that features most automakers – but not Tesla – wrote a Letter to Congress in October, before the election, and pushed for the tax credit to stay in place.

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However, the group and individual automakers declined to comment on their plans or their views on what happens if the tax credit goes away when recently contacted by CNN.

The disappearance of the tax credit would likely hurt legacy automakers that plan to release more electric vehicles in the approaching years, akin to General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, or other small EV upstarts like Rivian, none of that are yet benefiting from EV sales has. This is due largely to the large start-up costs. If demand for electric vehicles declines together with the lack of the tax credit, these automakers might be forced to cut back their electric vehicle production to limit their losses, which would scale back competition for Tesla amongst electric vehicle buyers.

Despite the slowing demand for electric vehicles, many experts still predict that overall electric vehicle sales within the U.S. could proceed to grow, albeit at a significantly slower rate than previously.

“There are still over 20 electric car models coming to market in 2025,” said Chris Hopson, chief automotive analyst at S&P Global. He said these expanded offerings will attract recent buyers, leading to more electric cars being sold.

He said if the tax credit goes away early within the 12 months, it could cause S&P to cut back its EV forecast barely, but he would still expect a modest profit. But how automakers reply to the shortage of a tax credit could determine how much sales decline. They could reduce prices greater than lately.

“Automakers can play with pricing to make up for a lack of credit,” Hopson said.

And some states may increase their very own tax credits to offset the lack of federal tax credits. This is something California desires to do.

During the election campaign, President-elect Donald Trump frequently criticized electric vehiclesHowever, he qualified this criticism when Musk became certainly one of his more distinguished and financially vital supporters. Still, Trump vowed to scrap the Environmental Protection Agency's goal of selling not less than 35% of all recent cars by 2032, which he called the “EV mandate.”

The CNN Wire
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Last winter's television reports about electric vehicle drivers waiting in long lines at crowded public charging stations put a damper on many individuals excited by electric vehicles. Why should drivers within the North and Northeast subject themselves to such icy range anxiety because they’ve a vehicle that they might not give you the chance to make use of all yr round?

In fact, electric vehicles are great to make use of all yr round – if the motive force is ready.

New research from AAA shows that the common range of an electrical vehicle drops by 41 percent when temperatures drop to twenty degrees Fahrenheit and the HVAC system is used to heat the vehicle's interior. When temperatures rise as much as 95 degrees and air con is used, range also decreases by 17 percent.

With proper preparation, charging and maintenance, your electric vehicle will survive the winter season and well beyond. Consider the next suggestions for a greater EV experience in winter.

Conquer range anxiety

The range of electrical vehicles shouldn’t be an absolute measure, and winter can have the shortest range, he writes Judy Nuskey at Automotive Fleet, an internet site that gives news, insights and techniques for business fleet management. Nuskey is the operations manager at Advanced driver training services.

“Weather, hills, climate temperature, cargo, passengers, aerodynamics and speed traffic have a dramatic impact on the range of electric vehicles,” Nuskey said within the report.

She said preparing your electric vehicle for winter is crucial to maximizing its safety, performance and longevity. “Just like one Vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE).A proactive approach to preparing your vehicle for harsh weather makes all the difference.”

Although seasonal maintenance is an identical concept, the actual steps involved in winterizing an electrical vehicle may differ from those of an internal combustion engine in ways that won’t yet be foreseeable.

Defy the cold battery

An EV battery has a really perfect operating temperature of about 68 to 100 degrees (20 to 40 degrees Celsius), Nuskey said. “Depending on the vehicle model, it can be difficult to reach these warmer temperatures in winter. If the temperature is lower, it will affect the charging speed and range and your vehicle will not go as far. Daily driving and charging behavior must be adjusted in the winter months.” Nuskey makes the next suggestions:

• Disable folding side mirrors: Water from melting snow and ice can penetrate the mirrors and freeze. In sub-zero temperatures, the mirrors can freeze when closed. There is a likelihood that the motors will burn out while attempting to free yourself.
• Clean the glass and wipers: In harsh climates, watch out to not freeze the wiper blades or persist with the windshield. Remove ice from the windshield before using the wipers. Ice has sharp edges that may damage the rubber on the blades. Install high-quality windshield wipers to assist remove snow and ice.
• Clean the trunk lid before opening: Do not store the ice scraper or brush within the trunk. When the trunk is opened, snow and ice could fall into the trunk above the battery location and add moisture because it melts.
• Monitor tire pressure: In colder temperatures, the air level within the tires decreases and the pressure drops, reducing the vehicle's efficiency. Proper air pressure can extend battery life by 3 to 7 percent.

Maximizing range in cold weather

Winter temperatures reduce the same old range of an electrical vehicle. Consider these suggestions to maximise mileage.

Reduce regenerative braking force

Electric vehicles use regenerative braking to get better kinetic energy because the vehicle slows and involves a stop. The electric motor acts as a generator and converts the kinetic energy into electricity, which is then stored within the battery. The power of most renewable systems could be adjusted for roughly energy recovery.

When driving in winter, set the regenerative braking force to the bottom setting. When the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle begins to brake. Strong regenerative braking may very well be too aggressive in icy conditions and cause an electrical vehicle to lose traction and slide.

Prepare the cabin

Set the pre-conditioning mode to warm the inside of the vehicle, which shouldn’t be consumed by the battery. Most electric vehicles could be programmed to start preconditioning at a set time to make sure the vehicle is prepared for a scheduled departure.

The range could be prolonged by remotely starting the vehicle for roughly half-hour before disconnecting from the ability source.

Use economy mode

Eco mode limits power to the engine and transmission responsiveness, reducing battery life. Operating on this low energy mode could be helpful in icy weather conditions by allowing the automotive to speed up more slowly and stopping tire spin.

Plan to make use of heated seats and a heated steering wheel. These features use less energy and supply targeted heat, leaving more battery available for the ride. Also, turn down the cabin heater whether it is a regular radiant system that’s consuming battery reserves.

Some electric vehicles have a heat pump to warm the inside. The heat pump works similarly to a reverse air conditioner and doesn’t draw power from the battery pack. Heat pumps absorb the surplus heat generated by the electrical vehicle's battery and drivetrain to enhance the vehicle's efficiency, range and driving experience. A heat pump also helps maintain the optimal battery temperature and real range.

Keep it covered

Like internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles run higher when protected against lower temperatures. If possible, park your electric vehicle in a garage or keep the automotive covered when exposed to the weather. By protecting the electrical vehicle, the battery stays charged longer.

Maintain electric vehicle battery charge

Plug your electric vehicle into the electrical outlet when parking it for a very long time or overnight in freezing temperatures. When the vehicle is connected, the vehicle's battery temperature is maintained above freezing to optimize battery performance. This feature occurs no matter whether the vehicle is actively charging while plugged in.

Remember that cold temperatures negatively impact a battery's performance and limit its ability to charge. Many electric vehicles limit the charging voltage when the battery is cold to guard the high-voltage battery. Once the battery has warmed up, normal charging speed will return.

Plan ahead

Before you travel, stay one step ahead and plan when your vehicle needs charging probably the most. If it is advisable leave within the morning when the temperature is below 40 degrees overnight, schedule charging to finish as near your departure time as possible quite than charging the night before.

When planning a road trip, consider frequent and redundant charging station waypoints to make sure a smooth driving experience even in unpredictable weather conditions.

Protect outdoor chargers

Electric vehicle chargers installed outdoors have to be protected against frost. Charging ports are designed to be waterproof, but heavy snowfall could cause them to freeze. You will help prevent freezing by utilizing a magnetic cover for the electrical vehicle charging port. When charging is complete, at all times hang the charging plug based on the manufacturer's recommendations when not in use.

Originally published: December 13, 2024 at 4:18am PST

California will increase rebates for electric vehicles if President-elect Donald Trump eliminates the $7,500 tax credit, Gov. Gavin Newsom says.

California had a zero-emission vehicle rebate from 2010 to 2023. It began with a direct rebate of $5,000 for battery electric vehicles, which eventually increased to $7,500.

Critics have already argued that California's budget is tight and adding more spending isn't ideal. California is nonpartisan Finance and political officer recently warned that the state budget doesn’t have the capability for brand spanking new commitments.

Q: Should California offer its own electric vehicle rebate if the federal tax credit goes away?

James Hamilton, UC San Diego

NO: A $7,500 subsidy would cut back the fee of an electrical automotive by 15%, which may lead to a 15% increase within the number of electrical cars sold. That implies that for each $7,500 California would pay to get someone to change to electric cars, we can be paying $50,000 in subsidies to individuals who would have bought an electrical automotive anyway. Most of those buyers are wealthier than the common Californian. We should promote electric cars, but the prices outweigh the advantages here.

Norm Miller, University of San Diego

NO: While I benefited from each federal tax credits and California rebates in 2012, I don't think it is smart for a single state to try to switch demand-stimulating tax credits or to select and select amongst industry competitors who deserves help and who doesn't. I would favor that our government(s) support primary and sometimes dangerous research in university labs to advance the cutting-edge, but not pick winners or distort market demand.

David Ely, San Diego State University

NO: The latest fiscal outlook report from the Legislative Analyst Office finds the 2025-26 budget is roughly balanced, due partially to tax revenue growth driven by the stock rally relatively than the strength of the general economy. As a result, the budget lacks the capability to fund latest programs reminiscent of a revived federal rebate program. Even a rebate program that excludes popular Tesla vehicles, just like the one the governor is considering, could have limited impact on electric vehicle purchases.

Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy

NO:Electric vehicle tax credits are an expensive and unfair strategy to reduce emissions. The profit primarily advantages wealthier residents who can afford latest cars and have access to charging stations. Taxing fuel (and carbon emissions more generally) and redistributing revenue to essentially the most vulnerable can be more efficient and revenue-neutral. Given the big budget deficit, offering a California-only rebate for electric vehicles can be particularly problematic now. To the extent that the goal is to create jobs, there isn’t any guarantee that those jobs can be local.

Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research

NO: Subsidies impose disproportionate costs on lower-income consumers to be able to profit higher-income users. Electric vehicles needs to be feasible without requiring taxpayers to subsidize wealthy users who can afford the prices. Zero-emission vehicles are only as clean as the facility sources they’re connected to. The increase is predicted to exceed emissions from newer combustion engine vehicles. In any case, California, already facing double-digit operating deficits, is unable to soak up additional costs in the approaching years.

Alan Gin, University of San Diego

YES: The marketplace for electric vehicles is important and can remain so in the longer term. The electric vehicle tax credit is essential to maintaining competition on this market. The $7,500 discount has allowed other manufacturers to capture Tesla's market share, and eliminating the discount will allow Tesla to proceed its dominance. For this reason, Elon Musk believes that eliminating the discount can be a long-term profit for the corporate, even when it could have a negative impact on sales within the short term.

Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health

NO: Last time I checked, California had a budget deficit and expects to have one other deficit next yr. This deficit resulted within the state not funding programs that were significantly more necessary to the general public good than providing reimbursement for the acquisition of an electrical vehicle. I imagine it can be crucial to prioritize using taxpayer dollars by specializing in current health and public safety needs reminiscent of health care, mental health, public safety, education and homelessness.

Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere

NO: While I support rebates and credits for electric vehicles, I don't support them if the state budget can't afford it. California remains to be attempting to dig itself out of its $165 billion debacle starting in 2022. Adding in last month's budget outlook report released by the Legislative Analyst's Office, even the speaker of the California Legislature emphasized the necessity for fiscal restraint and warned against expanding programs or services in preparation for possible economic challenges. Now just isn’t the time to supply discounts.

Phil Blair, Manpower

YES: The environment may be very necessary to Californians. As the biggest economy within the United States, we must also do our part to support the problems we imagine in, despite the ultra-conservative initiatives of the incoming administration.

Gary London, London Moeder Advisors

NO: I’m an admitted hypocrite for receiving these tax credits. But since California plans to transition to electric cars by 2035, these cars can be purchased without tax credits. The larger incentive can be that the fee of those vehicles would fall. But that’s a tariff debate for an additional day. I like to recommend that the state deal with incentives to convert gas stations to electric stations, as refueling is the larger barrier.

Bob Rauch, RA Rauch & Associates

NO: California's economy has been experiencing a downturn for nearly two years. Inflation and sluggish private employment growth have led to weak consumer spending. Outside of presidency and health care, the state has not created any jobs within the last 1 1/2 years. High taxes, increased minimum wage and climate regulations, and other progressive policies have contributed to California's economic woes and left the state budget unable to accommodate latest commitments.

Haney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers Association.

NO: California has already intervened in the electrical vehicle market starting in 2035, requiring all latest electric vehicles to be electric by then. So a government credit for electric vehicles is just overkill. And if California has money to spend—which, by the best way, it really doesn't—then why shouldn't we just put money into things that may profit everyone: relief from electricity and water rates, road repairs, or maintenance of public facilities?

Not participating this week:

Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth

Ray Major, economist

Originally published: December 6, 2024 at 5:13 am PST