Assembly Backs Bill Making Electric Cars More Practical and Affordable

[The information below was taken from a press release issued by Blumenfield's office].

The California State Assembly passed legislation authored by Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield that would make it easier for consumers to purchase plug-in electric vehicles.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2502 passed with a 75-0 vote and moves to the State Senate for further review.

“Electric vehicles must become a more affordable and practical choice for Californians,” said Blumenfield.  “Getting past ‘range anxiety’ is essential for this technology to be embraced by commuters.  Accelerated vehicle recharging can help and we must make it more affordable.”

AB 2502 is part of Blumenfield’s Clean Car Package.  This bill would allow car dealers to include the cost of accelerated electric vehicle charging stations - including installation into the customer’s home - into vehicle purchase financing.  This equipment typically operates at 220-volt capacity and can fully recharge an electric vehicle overnight.

“We can encourage more Californians to buy zero-emission cars,” added Blumenfield.  “A few thousand dollars out of pocket is a barrier that we can overcome with this bill.”

California new car consumers made down payments averaging 17.8% in 2011 (or $5,139 on the average $28,870 price of a new car).  Since this figure is below the recommended threshold of 20% recommended by Edmunds and other car buying sources, providing additional financing options is critical to market acceptance of this electric technology.

New clean vehicles emit 34% fewer global warming gasses and 75% fewer smog emissions.  California is working to have zero-emission or plug-in hybrid cars account for 15 percent of new vehicles sold each year by 2025.  If achieved, it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

Blumenfield is also authoring AB 2405, which would provide clean car drivers with free access to carpool lanes converted to toll lanes.  Clean cars have never before been allowed free access onto toll lanes.  Toll lane expansion projects are currently underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego regions.  AB 2405 passed the Assembly last month and awaits further review in the State Senate.

Further information is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.