University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

Reducing air pollution from automobiles is a climate and public health imperative. Transportation is the “single largest source of CO2 emissions” in California and the second largest source nationwide. State leaders recognize the need for zero-emission vehicles to achieve statewide carbon neutrality. Millions of electric vehicles (EVs) are expected on American roads in the coming decade. California alone will require over two million publicly accessible EV chargers to support over 15 million EVs by 2035, and nationwide over 28 million total chargers will be needed by 2030. To date, public charging infrastructure investment has not prioritized lower-income and black and brown communities, and electrification has mostly benefitted higher-income, whiter communities. Federal and state funding programs for charging infrastructure have begun directing vehicle and charging investment to lower-income communities, rural communities, and areas at greatest risk of environmental harm, but this investment must be met with equity-oriented decision-making tools.