Issue 1 | May 2022

We are pleased to launch the first issue of our Drive Clean Quarterly Newsletter to keep you up to date with local, national, and global transportation electrification news and resources! Clean transportation is a priority for the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA). Together we can create a zero-emission future for the County of Ventura!

If there’s something you’d like to see in this newsletter, please email nancy.clarin@ventura.org.

Kids and adults alike got the chance to paint one of Ventura County's EV Fleet Chevrolet Bolts with colorful washable paints! Big thanks to the City of Thousand Oaks for inviting us to participate in their annual Arbor Earth Day event. Photo by Nancy Clarin.

Vehicle Purchase Incentives

FOR INDIVIDUALS

California Clean Fuel Reward (up to $750)

The California Clean Fuel Reward is available to all California residents who purchase or lease an eligible vehicle through a participating dealership. There are no income or location restrictions within California, but the vehicle must be registered in the State of California.

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (up to $4,500)

Get up to $4,500 cash back after buying or leasing a new all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. You must apply within 3 months of purchase.

California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) - Increased Rebate (up to $2,500)

In addition to the standard rebate amount provided through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) of up to $4,500, qualifying low-income households may receive an additional $2,500 CVRP rebate.

Consumer Assistance Program - Vehicle Retirement (up to $1,500)

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair and is designed to help improve California's air quality by reducing vehicle emissions. A consumer may retire a qualified vehicle and receive $1,000. Consumers meeting low income eligibility requirements may receive $1,500.

Federal Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles (up to $7,500)

A tax credit of up to $7,500 is available for the purchase of qualified light-duty fuel cell vehicles, depending on the vehicle's fuel economy.

Southern California Edison Pre-Owned EV Rebate (up to $4,000)

Southern California Edison's Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program offers customer a $1,000 rebate for the purchase or lease of an eligible used EV. Income-qualified applicants may instead receive $4,000 based on their household level of income for the purchase or lease of a pre-owned electric vehicle.

Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (Up to $5,000)

Get help buying or leasing a new or used electric or hybrid vehicle, including up to $5,000 off, a loan with affordable interest rates, and money for home or public charging. Expected to re-open in Fall 2022.

FOR FLEETS

CVRP for Fleets Program

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) offers three different fleet programs for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission and plug-in hybrid light-duty electric vehicles (EVs).

• Public Fleets

• Car Sharing/Rental

• Business Fleet

EV Charging Equipment Incentives

NON-RESIDENTIAL

South Central Coast Incentive Program The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) South Central Coast Incentive Project, offers incentives for the purchase and installation of EV charging infrastructure at publicly accessible sites in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

SCE Charge Ready Programs Southern California Edison offers three Charge Ready program options to business and public sector stakeholders who want to be part of California’s EV future by installing charging equipment. Commercial, multi-family, and public sector properties of all types may be eligible for savings.

EnergIIze Commercial Vehicles EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles (Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero- Emission Commercial Vehicles) provides incentives for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure equipment for medium- and heavy-duty battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in California.

LOCAL

New Electrify America Charging Stations at Pacific View Mall

Electrify America (EA) is open for business with a brand new Electrify America LLC charging station between Sears and Target on west side of Pacific View Mall. The CCS chargers are available for use and EA is working on the finishing touches for the CHAdeMO charger at this location. Stay tuned for an update post on PlugShare once the CHAdeMO is available for use.

California plans to say 35% of new car sales must be EVs by 2026 | Los Angeles Times

An ambitious proposal was released by California Air Resources Board (CARB), requiring ZEVs and plug-in hybrids to make up 68% of new-vehicle sales by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

NATIONAL

How Ford, GM, and Tesla are building better batteries | Vox

When consumer lithium-ion batteries debuted in the 1990s, they were revolutionary: They recharged in a few hours or less and made our modern computers and phones truly portable. But three decades later, this battery technology is due for a major upgrade, since the harsh reality of climate change means that lithium-ion batteries don’t just need to power our devices, but our cars, too.

As Gas Prices Went Up, So Did the Hunt for Electric Vehicles | The New York Times

Prices at the pump have apparently given some Americans second thoughts. But two practical problems remain: not enough cars and relatively few charging stations.

Best Affordable Electric Cars For 2022 | Forbes Wheels

With early innovators and many premium brands now firmly rooted in the EV segment, the next innovation wave focuses on overall affordable efficiency and versatility. Here, in ascending order, are the most affordable EVs currently available to U.S. consumers.

GLOBAL

GM, Honda are teaming up to build a $30,000 electric car | CNN Business

Building a cheap car that is also profitable for the manufacturer is shockingly difficult. Because of the high cost of battery components, it becomes even more difficult if that car is electric. But Honda and General Motors, two of the biggest car companies in the world, believe they can crack the code to producing a low-cost EV. And they want to do it together.

The World's Electric Vehicle Fleet Will Soon Surpass 20 Million | Bloomberg

China and Europe are driving most of the adoption, with North America a distant third source of sales. Up next: emerging markets.

Disclaimer: These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. VCREA bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

Drive Electric Earth Day 2022

THAT’S A WRAP!

Drive Electric Earth Day, or DEED, is a national campaign administered by non-profit, Plug In America, to share information about electric vehicles throughout the month of April.

This year, VCREA participated in DEED by putting on a combination of virtual and in-person EV-themed events throughout Ventura County. You may have met us at Thousand Oaks Community Park, where we partnered with EV Advocates of Ventura County to bring a total of 17 electric vehicles and their owners to Arbor Earth Day. The favorite EV among the kids was the “De Colores” (colorful) County Chevrolet Bolt. Even County Supervisor, Linda Parks (pictured above), helped decorate the car with washable paints. We also hosted three additional EV Displays which took place at Pacific View Mall, Boku Superfoods, and the Ventura County Government Center. Our visitors got a chance to talk to dozens of real EV owners who were excited to share their EV anecdotes. Last but not least, VCREA ran a virtual EV Movie Night throughout the month of April which included-action packed sci-fi movies like Back To the Future, educational films like Who Killed the Electric Car, and virtual ride and drives from reputable car reviewers. If you’d like to check out our EV Movie Nights series, click here.

If you missed out on this year’s DEED events, don't worry! A similar campaign, National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) comes around Sep 23-Oct 2, 2022. We can’t wait to see you again!

P.S. Watch a recap of Arbor Earth Day below…

Upcoming Events…

EV Survey

VCREA wants to hear from you about your charging needs! Complete this 1-minute survey to be entered in a raffle for one of three $10 Target or Amazon gift card! You don’t need to be an EV owner to participate.

Meet Our EV Coach