New laws in California favor electric vehicles

Governor passes new laws to support electric vehicles

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed six bills into law in order to help promote clean transportation throughout the state. California is represents approximately 35% of the electric vehicle market in the U.S. and is considered one of the auto industry’s ideal markets. The state is set to be the launching pad for hydrogen-powered vehicles that automakers will release in the coming years. The new laws emerging in California are meant to promote clean transportation among consumers and make the state even friendlier to electric vehicles than it already is.

Laws bring new benefits to EV owners

One of the laws signed by Governor Brown allows electric vehicles, including those powered by hydrogen fuel cells, to travel in the state’s carpool lanes regardless of their occupancy. This could be a boon for many commuters considering the state’s traffic issues, which are most prevalent around major cities. This particular benefit will be in place until 2019. Another law institutes what is being called the “Green Sticker” program, which allows as many as 40,000 low-emission vehicles to travel in the states carpool lanes as well.

Charging stations to become more accommodating

Another legislation signed into law requires all electric charging stations in the state to accommodate all forms of electric vehicles. The law also calls for the development of a system that makes these charging stations easy to find. Yet another legislation has to do with integrating domestic charging stations at state housing facilities and official buildings. These charging stations are meant to power electric vehicles while they are at home or while they are parked at state buildings.

New programs aim to promote purchase of electric vehicles

One of the most significant legislations signed into law this week has to do with the state allocating some $48 million in funding for electric vehicles programs. These programs are meant to promote the benefits of electric vehicles to consumers as well as provide them some financial incentive to purchase these vehicles. The programs are expected to help offset the costs associated with the purchase of electric vehicles, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.