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.
“We all have a right to clean, breathable air, and the fastest way California can get there is to switch to emission-free transportation.”
Michael Chiacos
Director of Climate Policy
Community Environmental Council
How you can take action
Get Educated
If you are curious about whether electric vehicles are right for you, attending CEC’s Electric Vehicles 101 webinar is the perfect opportunity to get all of your questions answered. We hold Electric Vehicle 101 webinars at least once per year, so check the events calendar to see if one is coming up, or watch the recording of the most recent webinar.
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 Electric
Get 120 mpg equivalent with zero tailpipe emissions. There are now over 40 models of electric or plug-in hybrid cars, SUVs and minivans on the market. Learn how to get incentives that can make driving electric more affordable than burning oil at Access Clean California.
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.
Share Your Drive Electric Story
Do you own an electric, hybrid, hydrogen or other alternative fuel vehicle? We’d have you and your car participate in the Owners Circle at any of our Green Car Shows, or to share your story as part of our Drive Clean Chronicles blog.
Charge Your Electric Vehicle with Solar
Driving an EV cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 75% per mile, but powering it with sunshine is even better (and surprisingly affordable). See CEC’s blog to learn how your neighbors are Driving on Sunshine.
Get and Give Support for Driving Electric
Join our Electric Drive 805 Facebook group, a space for people interested in electric vehicles to share ideas, ask questions, and learn more about the latest in electric vehicles.
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 Michael Chiacos at mchiacos@cecmail.org.
What CEC Is Doing
Electric Drive 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. Learn more at ElectricDrive805.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.
