Smart Transportation News
September, 2020
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When commuting came to a virtual stop as a result of the COVID-219 pandemic, we were able to witness how air quality is affected by travel and industry. And now, with widespread fires along the entire west coast of the United States and air quality levels the worst in the world, we are reminded once again of the preciousness of clean air as well as the serious consequences of not acknowledging and addressing global climate change.
As these fires rage, literally in our back yards, we are fortified in our mission to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles to combat the negative effects of climate change caused by transportation emissions.
This month we're covering Uber's zero-emissions pledge, Electric Tractors, a policy toolkit for accelerating EV adoption, a report by Cox Automotive on the future of the EV market, National Drive Electric Week and GM's bet on Nikola's electric trucks.
As the world heads into another month of the pandemic, we're maintaining our focus on the future as well as the moment. We're looking at developments resulting from the current state of affairs as well as the road forth. Join us.
If you have suggestions for us, please reach out. You can always keep track of what we’re up to on the Forth website. To donate to the Red Cross to assist in disaster relief for those affected by the wildfires, please go here.
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Uber Pledges To Go 100% Electric
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Recently, we reported on Forth member, Lyft's announcement of its commitment to reach 100% electric or zero-emission vehicles on their platform by 2030. Now Uber has revealed their own pledge to become a fully zero-emission platform by 2040. They set a goal to have 100% of rides take place in electric vehicles (EVs) in US, Canadian, and European cities by 2030.
The ridesharing company is expanding its Uber Green program and committing resources to help drivers transition to EVs.
In more than 15 US and Canadian cities, riders can tap a button to request a ride in an EV or hybrid vehicle for just $1 extra. Such trips produce up to 44% fewer carbon emissions than driving a gas-powered car. By the end of the year, Uber Green will be available in more than 65 cities globally.
In the US and Canada, hybrid and EV drivers will receive an extra $0.50 directly from the rider on every Uber Green trip completed. Drivers using a zero-emission vehicle will receive an additional $1.00 for every trip they complete in the US and Canada. Battery EV drivers will receive both incentives—a total of $1.50 extra—for every Uber Green trip they complete.
“We commend Uber’s commitment to remove barriers for its drivers to own and operate electric vehicles," said Forth's Jeff Allen. "We look forward to continuing to work with Uber and key stakeholders to support the transition to electric in a way that both reduces pollution and centers the needs of the historically underserved.”
Electrifying rideshare is a major initiative of Forth's. We are working directly with rideshare drivers to help them make the switch to driving electric with information and resources, including a financing pilot providing auto loan financing for rideshare drivers buying electric cars.
Forth's Tegan Molloy oversees engagement with TNCs at Forth.
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E-Tractors Sowing the Seeds of the Future
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 Forth, Sustainable Northwest, Wy’East RC&D, Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Rusted Gate Farm have teamed up to launch a new electric tractor pilot with the goal of increasing knowledge, access, and adoption of electric farm equipment.
“Farmers and ranchers have to make a lot of decisions based on unknown variables, and profit margins can be thin,” said Robert Wallace with Wy’East RC&D. “This effort will be able to clearly demonstrate the many anticipated benefits of electric agricultural equipment, starting with electric tractors. From fuel savings, reduced maintenance and downtime, reductions in diesel emissions, to increased health and safety, we hope to prove this technology is a win-win for Oregon’s farming community.”
The team has recently secured funding for the project and will have electric tractors shipped to Oregon for initial testing starting in 2020. After this time, tractors will start making their way around the state and will be installed with remote sensors that will allow the team to collect data and measure savings potential. Erin Galiger will represent Forth on the E-Tractor Pilot.
“We will be testing a variety of farming operations, from orchards and livestock operations to vegetable farms and indoor horse-riding arenas,” said Bridget Callahan with Sustainable Northwest.
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AchiEVe – EV Policy Toolkit
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 Forth member, Cox Automotive Mobility, recently published the white paper, “COVID-19 Recovery: Speed Bump or Accelerant for the EV Market?”
The report addresses the tailwinds, headwinds and whirlwinds impacting the EV future in the wake of COVID-19. Their forecast is positive.
“While we may experience a short-term dip in EV growth due to COVID-19, many factors set a course for a positive long-term trajectory,” said Lea Malloy, head of research and development at Cox. “Ultimately, cross-industry collaboration will facilitate EV advancement and consumer adoption.”
Here are some key takeaways:
• Real and perceived costs are major roadblocks – from understanding maintenance costs and battery life to the availability of incentives, education is paramount to driving consumer EV interest.
• Charging infrastructure is a bottleneck – access to EV charging nationwide will continue to play a critical role in consumer purchase and adoption, as well as the transition to an all-electric fleet future.
• Batteries – the industry needs to move quickly to advance capabilities to extend battery life and provide appropriate end-of-life options to protect our communities and the environment.
• Evolve existing partnerships with traditional and new EV OEMs by providing battery health and certification services.
• Standardization, from cells to packs, to transport packaging to charging infrastructure, can simplify EV battery production, ownership and service experience, and reduce costs.
• Continuous and up-to-date consumer education on electric vehicles for purchase and in-person support, plus easy EV shopping experiences are essential.
The Cox Automotive Mobility EV white paper is available for download at www.coxautoinc.com.
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National Drive Electric Week
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 National Drive Electric Week, Sep 26-Oct 4, 2020, is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
This year, for the 10th annual National Drive Electric Week, organizer and Forth member, Plug In America, will include online events including the NDEW Kick-Off Event event on Sep 24, 2020.
Please see the events page for more information about national, state and local events near you.
Forth is hosting multiple webinars throughout the week. View our events page to learn more and register.
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 Earlier this month, Forth member, General Motors, took an 11% (or $2 billion) stake in the electric pickup truck manufacturer, Nikola.
GM's equity stake comes from in-kind contributions, according to Barron's. They will engineer and build Nikola’s Badger pickup, which is looking at a 2022 release.
“This strategic partnership...continues the broader deployment of General Motors’ all-new Ultium battery and Hydrotec fuel cell systems,” said GM CEO Mary Barra in the company’s news release. “We are growing our presence in multiple high-volume EV segments while building scale to lower battery and fuel cell costs and increase profitability.”
Nikola CEO Trevor Milton sounded happy as well, “You couldn’t dream of a better partnership than this.”
The light-duty truck market dominates auto sales in the U.S. and marks an obvious target for EV makers to establish share. Ford has developed, but not yet released an electric F-150, Tesla revealed a prototype of their post-apocalyptic truck and Rivian is developing a line of their own. Now GM has bought their way into the market and boosted the prominence of Nikola. |
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 Election Day is under two months away, but the 2020 Election has already begun as absentee ballots are being mailed in some states and in-person early voting is just around the corner! The COVID-19 pandemic is creating challenges to voting unlike any we’ve seen in our lifetimes. To make sure you can vote safely, and that your vote is counted, make a plan for how you will vote and vote as early as you can.
If you have questions about how or when or where to vote in your state, check out this infographic from the Washington Post which provides state-by-state deadlines and resources.
Your vote is critical to achieving a clean energy economy, make your plan to vote today!
PS - Have you filled out the Census yet? If not, there’s still time! Shape a clean energy future and take the 2020 Census online here until September 30.
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Forth is committed to helping members connect with partner organizations and policymakers to reach new markets and advance transportation electrification.
Membership provides networking opportunities with Forth's member companies, as well as our broad industry, non-profit, and government connections. Forth membership also grants access to our member-only programs, resources and events.
If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Simbiat Yusuff.
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