California Energy Commission Projects Significant EV Charging Needs by 2035

What's Happening?

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has published the Assembly Bill 2127 Second Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment, which outlines the charging needs to support California's plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) by 2030 and 2035. The report projects that 1.01 million public and shared private chargers will be needed to support 7.1 million passenger PEVs by 2030, and 2.11 million chargers for 15.2 million PEVs by 2035. The assessment highlights the need for substantial investments in grid upgrades and workforce development to accommodate this expansion.

Why It's Important?

The findings of the CEC's assessment underscore the significant infrastructure investments required to support California's ambitious zero-emission vehicle goals. The projected increase in EV chargers is crucial for meeting the state's environmental targets and facilitating the transition to electric vehicles. This expansion will also create job opportunities, with up to 71,500 job-years needed for charger installation by 2035. The report emphasizes the importance of improving charger and vehicle technology to minimize grid impact, ensuring a sustainable and efficient transition to electric transportation.