Clean Energy > Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles
Transportation is responsible for more than half of all of California’s carbon emissions, 80 percent of smog-forming pollution, and 95 percent of toxic diesel emissions.
Driving electric and driving less are the single largest things most individuals can do to protect their communities from air pollution and climate change. Other benefits include lower fueling costs for drivers (charging at home overnight is like paying $1.50/gallon!) and lower vehicle maintenance costs (no more oil changes!).
A rapid and equitable transition to EVs is critical to protect communities from pollution and worsening climate change impacts. To adequately respond to the climate crisis and California’s wildfires, Governor Newsom set new targets that require the sale of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035 and additional measures to eliminate harmful emissions from the transportation sector.
How you can take action
Get Educated
If you are curious about whether electric vehicles are right for you, watch our past webinar recordings and check the events calendar to see if one is coming up.
Visit the Clean Energy Resources page to learn more about electric vehicles and subscribe to our email list to stay updated on the latest news, events, and opportunities to engage.
Make the Switch to an EV
Want to learn how you can stack incentives to save big on an electric vehicle lease or purchase? Sign up for CEC's Electrify Your Life program to receive free personalized support and resources today.
Choose Conflict Mineral-Free Products
Many EVs contain materials known as conflict minerals. CEC encourages consumers, governments, industry, and organizations to purchase and use products that are “conflict mineral-free” where possible. Read our Conflict Minerals Position Statement.
Help Bring Electric Vehicle Infrastructure to Your Community
Help get electric vehicle charging stations at your work, condo, or apartment complex. Reach out to your employer or property manager to advocate for charging stations. SCE’S Charge Ready and PG&E’s EV Charge are programs that pay for most of the costs! You can also advocate for high efficiency upgrades to reduce energy and save money via Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) programs for both single and multifamily homes.
Host a Green Car Workshop for Your Colleagues
Our staff is happy to hold virtual or in-person green car education workshops for your workplace. Contact Sean McArthur at smcarthur@cecmail.org.
What CEC Is Doing
Electric Ride 805
In 2011, CEC helped spearhead Electric Drive 805 – a network of partners dedicated to achieving a rapid and equitable transition to electric vehicles in the 805 region. Our efforts continue to make the Central Coast an EV leader with over 1,800 charging stations and four times the national average of per capita EV drivers as of 2021. In 2024, CEC and its partners transitioned Electric Drive 805 to Electric Ride 805 to include different types of clean transportation options available beyond electric vehicles. Learn more at ElectricRide805.org.
Grants & Infrastructure
Electric Drive 805 has brought millions of dollars in grant funding for regional EV planning and projects to communities in the 805 region. Together with our partners, CEC has worked with hundreds of local governments, businesses, multifamily properties, charging hosts, and other stakeholders to build charging stations, push forward infrastructure projects, and make it easier to drive an EV.
Green Car Shows & Education
In addition to CEC’s annual Green Car car shows that attract 30,000-40,000 people each year, CEC and Electric Drive 805 partners host numerous workshops and webinars with employers, property managers, and community groups that help more people drive electric.
CEC became a community Outreach Partner for Access Clean California in 2021. We work with Access Clean CA to help people in the most polluted parts of our region access clean energy resources like electric vehicles and solar power that simultaneously keep the air cleaner and reduce individual energy costs. Access Clean California serves residents with low and moderate incomes so they can get financial assistance and other benefits to help them make the switch.
