In the Driver’s Seat Blog

As part of the Budget Reconciliation bill, Congressional leadership has proposed an annual car tax of $250 on EV drivers and $100 on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This car tax only targets low- or zero-pollution vehicles. Gas guzzlers get a free pass. If this car tax passes, $250 will[…]

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a political lightning rod. Auto sector lobbying around EVs is at an all-time high, with record spending on both sides of the issue. The top spender is a petrochemical and fuel refining trade organization that has a lot to lose from a shift to EVs.[…]

On Feb. 6, 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sent a letter to states that suspended charging infrastructure funding that had been legally allocated to states’ departments of transportation by law. You may remember that the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is a $7.5 billion appropriation passed by Congress[…]

There is a lot we don’t know about the future of electric vehicle (EV) policy in 2025. What we do know is that the incoming administration has climate legislation in their crosshairs and is committed to doing everything they can to expand the use of fossil fuels for energy. Today,[…]

More and more EVs are on the road every day, and public charging is rapidly scaling up. While most charging is done at home, drivers need public fast charging to support long-distance travel and enable consumers who don’t have access to home charging to make the transition to electric vehicles.[…]

In 2022, the federal government recognized the vital role of EVs in combating climate change, improving public health, and keeping the U.S. auto industry globally competitive. To spur EV adoption and increase Americans’ access to and the affordability of EVs, Congress passed legislation called the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which[…]

Co-authored by Alexia Melendez Martineau, senior policy manager at Plug In America, and Raquel Dominguez, circular economy policy advocate at Earthworks The transition to electric transportation offers an incredible opportunity to create a circular battery economy – one in which end-of-life EV batteries are reused, repurposed, or recycled. Currently, transportation[…]

In addition to the NEVI formula program, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law entrusted the Joint Office to implement the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) discretionary grant program. Unlike the NEVI formula funding, under this program, public entities such as states, local governments, housing authorities, schools, and tribes compete for grants to[…]

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a massive national infrastructure project to build out a network of Alternative Fuel Corridors across the country is no different. In general, infrastructure projects involve many stakeholders, include many complex steps and milestones, and can get hung up at any number of points[…]

Public charging access is growing by leaps and bounds, between expanded access to the Tesla Supercharger network and rapid deployment of new charging infrastructure. In the U.S., there is now a fast EV charging station for every 15 gas stations. Many chargers are coming online thanks to the National Electric[…]

On March 20, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final vehicle standards for cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. These rules set progressively lower limits on tailpipe pollution on vehicles manufactured between 2027 and 2032.  EPA standards aren’t new. There are EPA vehicle standards in place right now. The recently[…]

Similar to other types of infrastructure, like highways, the electric power system is built to meet maximum demand. While a five-lane beltway may be nearly empty at four in the morning, all of those lanes are definitely being used during rush hour. Transmission operators and distribution utilities do the same[…]

The shift to electric vehicles is a tremendous win for air quality, public health, energy security, jobs, and the planet. Electrifying transportation is critical to addressing the climate crisis and cutting tailpipe emissions, both of which disproportionately harm Indigenous, Black, and other communities of color. As we transition to a[…]

As regular drivers, you’ve all seen signs along the highway pointing you to gas stations, food, and lodging. Now, you’ll be able to locate EV charging stations in the same way, using highway signage. Recently, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) updated the national manual on what kind of signage can[…]

Imagine a transportation option that has the fun and flexibility of a bike, is a fraction of the price of a car, can park almost anywhere for free, and produces almost zero climate-changing emissions. Sounds too good to be true, right? Think again. Meet the e-bike.     A battery and small[…]

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the New Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (30D) and Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (25E) will be available at the time of sale from your local dealer because the tax credit can be transferred to the dealer.  What does this mean? It means that when you purchase[…]

A normal vehicle releases several tons of pollutants each year, which depends on the vehicle’s fuel, fuel economy, and how far it is driven annually. Improving vehicle technology and electric vehicles saves consumers money through reduced maintenance and fuel costs and improves air quality and public health. To continue unlocking[…]