Clean energy and transportation group calls for electric grid upgrades and reforms to utility business models
WASHINGTON, DC, April 12, 2023 – National business association Advanced Energy United today applauded newly proposed fuel efficiency standards by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The two newly proposed standards – one for light-duty passenger vehicles and the other for medium and heavy-duty vehicles – are expected to empower automakers to accelerate production of electric vehicles beginning in 2027.
“This is a groundbreaking announcement that should finally put the U.S. on a trajectory to fully adopt zero-emissions vehicles,” said Ryan Gallentine, Transportation Policy Director at Advanced Energy United, which represents a wide spectrum of companies involved in vehicle production, charging infrastructure, and energy management software. “Electric vehicles are much more energy efficient as well as less expensive to fuel and maintain versus gas-powered vehicles. The transition to electric drivetrains represents enormous savings for their owners and the efficient use of our electricity grid, not to mention public health.”
To meet this moment and opportunity, Advanced Energy United is calling on electric utilities, utility regulators, and state policymakers to commit resources and make policy changes that are needed to make these goals a reality.
“We need to get the electric grid ready for this transition,” said Gallentine. “Ensuring the electricity grid can accommodate many new EVs will require careful planning, management of EV electricity loads, and additional power generation capacity. Grid infrastructure upgrades, and reforms to the electric utility business model, would go a long way towards improving flexibility and attracting private sector projects at the pace needed to meet emissions reductions targets.”
Amidst supply chain and economic challenges during the pandemic, jobs in the electric vehicle sector in the U.S. grew 28% from 2020 through 2021.
“The companies that produce electric vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure involved welcome the EPA’s ambition in pushing for a better and cleaner transportation system that improves air quality and encourages adoption of innovative transportation technologies,” added Gallentine. “These new standards send a clear message: America is committed to making the transition to electric vehicles. This commitment should spur additional investment throughout the North American supply chain and lower costs for both producers and consumers.”