From Greentech Innovation to Incentive Programs—Electric Vehicles Are Here to Stay

Fast forward to 2050– you’re enjoying a morning coffee under smog-free skies, facetiously waving at every dilapidated Shell gas station as you make your way to work in a matter of seconds at the click of a button. Ok, maybe sustainable transport isn’t quite there yet but that’s exactly where it’s headed.

Changing the Narrative of Green Transport by 2030

It’s an undisputed fact that electric vehicles (EVs) will soon dominate the global market. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world population is set to increase by 2 billion which inevitably means more vehicles on the road. As fossil fuels are becoming obsolete, transitioning to EVs has never been more important in mitigating the effects of climate catastrophe all while creating a sustainable circular economy.

States like California and Massachusetts have already made the market more attractive by incentivizing zero-emissions programs for consumers and corporations.

Ambitious Sustainable Energy in Motion

In California, transportation is the single, fastest-growing source of carbon pollution, accounting for almost half of the state's global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, clean energy investment would need to more than triple by 2030. With tremendous pressure building around a net-zero carbon economy, companies are making commitments towards electric vehicle investment. Surprisingly, these investments aren’t only coming from premium auto giants.

Where the Industry Stands Now

Businesses of all sizes are leading the transition by making green transport an industry-standard through two key movements: enhancing charging infrastructure and accelerating the demand for fleet electrification. Rather than tackle these methods alone, companies have adopted what could be argued as the most sustainable approach to vehicle electrification — greentech partnerships.

Enhancing Fleet Electrification

Lyft, for example, has partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund in its commitment to work to reach 100% electric fleet vehicles by 2030 and secure vehicle emission standards. This comes under California’s aggressive ban on sales of new gasoline and diesel-powered cars and trucks by 2035. They’ve since launched hundreds of electric fleet vehicles through the Express Drive Program which enables drivers to rent e-vehicles directly with Lyft rather than use personal vehicles with internal combustion engines.

EV Charging Innovation Meets Dynamic Partnerships

On the other emerging end of the spectrum lies the opportunity for greentech partnerships to tackle the most challenging areas of innovation and infrastructure. Siemens, a technology-focused manufacturing corporation, launched its eMobility Partner Ecosystem in March 2021 to do just that. In alliance with AMPLY, a Bay-area technology company, they have engaged in increasing accessibility of EV charging.

“AMPLY fuels electric fleets. AMPLY enables the new era for electrification of buses, trucks, vans, and electric cars. With investment from Siemens Financial Services combined with Siemens technology solutions, AMPLY better meets the service level needs, energy management, and focuses on lowering the total cost of ownership for these customers [...]”said Vic Shao, CEO of AMPLY. The Siemens eMobility Program has already begun deployed over 75,000 EV chargers across the US.

Joining the EV Revolution

Corporate partnerships, as we see with Siemand and AMPLY, tend to play an important role in the energy revolution. They bridge the gap in sustainable transport technology by offering multi-faceted solutions. EV innovation standards are no longer limited to tech and auto giants like Tesla, Ford, General Motors, BMW, Volvo, and Volkswagen. By recognizing that the electric revolution is here to stay, virtually any company of different sizes can further their investment in greentech by switching to EVs. States like California and Massachusetts have already made the market more attractive by incentivizing zero-emissions programs for consumers and corporations.

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Business Opportunities for Fleet Electrification

If you’re considering fleet electrification, California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is available for public fleets offering up to $7000 for eligible zero-emission vehicles. The rebate project also offers up to $4,500 for car sharing and rental fleet companies like Lyft and Uber, for the purchase or lease of up to 20 new, eligible zero-emission and hybrid vehicles. Under this project, businesses, nonprofits, tribal communities, and federal entities are eligible for up to one rebate per lifetime for up to $4,500 per vehicle.

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Making the Switch as a Consumer

At the consumer level, California’s Clean Fuel Reward includes a rebate for up to $1500 and is available to anyone who buys or leases a new electric vehicle from a participating automotive retailer. In addition, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) offers up to $7,000 to purchase or lease a new electric vehicle for low-income individuals.

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The Takeaway

Not in California? No problem! As electric vehicles become the new normal, States across the US will quickly incentivize electric transport to make it accessible to everyone. Partnerships in Greentech are a great way to kickstart your small-to-midsize business and scale both fleet electrification and improved charging infrastructure for your employees.

Supporting sustainable transport directly contributes to sustainable city growth while significantly reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air quality. Electric vehicle programs targeting communities create job opportunities, healthier living and show an overwhelming love for the planet!

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