Is Policy Action Alone Enough to Reach Net Zero by 2050?

Recently, BloombergNEF published a telling article titled, “Electric Vehicle Sales Set to Rise Faster Than Ever, but More Policy Action Needed to Get on Track for Net Zero.” The author raises many interesting observations about where we are now in the transition to electric mobility; where we’re projected to be in 10, 20 and even 30 years based on current trajectories; and what we need to do if we’re going to be net zero by 2050.

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Photo Courtesy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority

In short, the driving theme of the article seems to be that further government policies will be required to spur innovation, adoption and acceptance of EV technology. And while we certainly agree that this is a crucial factor, it fails to highlight the equal importance of private firms like EVCS to do the work once policies are in place since the government is not in the business of installing infrastructure.

Below are several salient points BNEF makes and how we’re helping to affect solutions in the space.

“Reaching net zero by mid-century will require all hands on deck, particularly for trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles where the transition has barely started.”

BNEF works feverishly to drive home the idea that commercial vehicles will be a key driver in the transition to electric. The author notes that two- and three-wheelers are already in heavy use throughout developing countries and that cars and light commercial vehicles are on a positive trajectory, but states, ominously, that “the outlook is far more problematic in the heavier commercial vehicle segments.” EVCS has started tackling the problem by targeting municipalities, large commercial businesses and fleet operators with increased marketing efforts, no-cost installation packages, subscription plans, and high-tech networking software featuring customized demand response and real-time performance monitoring.

“By 2040 the charging network needs to grow to over 309 million chargers across all locations… [including] public chargers (24 million), workplace chargers (12 million) and bus and truck chargers (4 million).”

We have been leading the way in the installation of new chargers across Southern California, installing more than half of all non-Tesla DCFCs in Los Angeles alone since 2020. Our site hosts have included government, retail, industrial, educational, workplace and multi-unit residential properties, many of which are hugely influential and committed to embracing electric. See a spattering of our clients here: https://evcs.com/customers/prominent-clients. In addition, we have consistently lobbied for greater subsidization of the EV industry on local, state and federal levels as we strategize our expansion into other areas of the country. Our know-how and experience will make EVCS a key asset in executing once government policy directives are in place.

“Most of the extra demand for electricity globally in the decades ahead will be met by building additional renewable energy capacity, according to BNEF forecasts.”

Our insistence on powering the EVCS charging network through renewable sources has been consistent almost since our inception, and this year, we were able to come one step closer to a carbon negative future by arranging to buy all our electricity from renewable energy producers through credit offsets. This financial commitment allows said producers to reinvest in expansion and innovation so that, someday, offsets will no longer be needed because widespread renewables will make fossil fuels a thing of the past.

“For chargers [under the Net Zero Scenario], $939 billion would be required in investment by 2040 to install 504 million units.”

The goal of a planet with net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a noble one, and large government investments will be key in facilitating the transition away from ICEs and fossil fuel-based infrastructure, but private organizations have to be ready to take up the mantle and execute the goals that government officials put forth. EVCS has been active in streamlining the assessment, permitting, installation and maintenance processes through a unique, no-hassle turnkey solution that maximizes the return on government investment. In other words, yes, subsidies are absolutely required, but once approved, we know what to do with them.

You can read the entire BNEF article here:

https://about.bnef.com/blog/electric-vehicle-sales-set-to-rise-faster-than-ever-but-more-policy-action-needed-to-get-on-track-for-net-zero/

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Spectrum News: SoCal Company Looks to Meet Growing Need for EV Charging Stations

Recently, our CEO and co-founder, Gustavo Occhiuzzo, was featured in a Spectrum News 1 segment titled “Inside the Issues” with Alex Cohen. He was able to not only convey the challenges we face as we work toward a more electric future, but also the strides EVCS has already made in addressing those challenges as well as some of our most significant achievements. Examples include our deal with LADOT to install DC fast chargers at 57 city-owned lots, our doubling of non-Tesla chargers in LA since last year alone, and the fact that EVCS has become one of the largest and fastest growing installers of EV charging stations on the West Coast in less than three years. See the interview clip and accompanying article below to learn more.

Recap of “Today, Explained” Podcast: It’s Electric!

Recently, we listened to Vox’s Umair Irfan discuss on his Today, Explained podcast how Norway has been trailblazing in the world of electric mobility and what strides the US can make to follow suit. We not only found the episode a fascinating exploration of how our Scandinavian friends serve as both innovators and motivators, but it elucidated ways in which EVCS can and has been working toward similar goals within the US. Below are some of the key takeaways from the podcast as well as how it relates to what we’re doing here and now.

EVCS Fast Charging Network to Use 100% Renewable Energy (Newsire)

One of the most common criticisms foisted on the electric mobility industry is that EVs are not technically carbon neutral since the electricity needed to power them is generated through fossil fuels, including coal and natural gas. This argument is not without merit and presents those of us in the EV infrastructure sector with yet another lofty goal – true carbon neutrality through electrical grids powered by renewable energy sources like wind and solar. And our most recent press release discusses how we at EVCS are doing just that.

EVCS Secures Credit Facility with Macquarie Group (Newswire)

We recently employed PR firm Firecracker to help us get the word out about all of the wonderful things EVCS is doing to make an all-electric future a reality. One major step toward this goal was our securing a credit facility that would allow for accelerated expansion of EV infrastructure, giving us confidence that the financial support required would be available when we needed it. Our PR team then went to work, drafting the following press release that outlines the particulars of this momentous achievement:

Installation of the Month (April 2021): Hilton Hotel & Plaza San Gabriel

Hilton is one of the most recognizable and respected organizations in the world. They own 18 different brands and more than 6,400 properties in 119 countries. Since 1925, they’ve been a model of the hospitality industry – synonymous with customer relations, integrity and innovation, which extends into areas like sustainability and the environment. Their website’s “Corporate Responsibility” page cites a commitment to fighting climate change, stating: “We seek to operate and grow sustainably, reducing our consumption of natural resources… We are proud to have set carbon reduction targets aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement.” And they continue to back up this commitment, including recently asking us to install EV charging banks at one of their key Los Angeles locations.