California's skyline is obscured by lingering smog

When it comes to cleaning up the air and raising the bar on emissions, California usually leads the nation by example. Even with stringent CARB guidelines, a hydrogen highway that's far from complete and other emissions-reducing measures in place, California is still riddled with smoggy air. The state now hopes that its nation-leading electric vehicle (EV) initiatives will pierce a hole through the haze. California's plans for electrification are intensive, with long-term goals laid out well in advance. Here's an overview of what's in the works:
  • By 2012, the state will subsidize the installation of more than 5,000 charging stations.
  • Strong incentives should help the state reach its goal of 7,500 EVs and 25,000 plug-in hybrids on the road by 2014.
  • Long-term projections peg the numbers at 60,000 EVs and 85,000 plug-in hybrids on California roads by 2017.
  • The state offers a $3,000 to $5,000 rebate to buyers of low-emission vehicles, on top of the $7,500 federal rebate.
  • Businesses receive up to $20,000 in rebates for purchasing a low-emission commercial vehicle.
  • From now until 2015, California will invest $200 million a year into low-emission vehicles.
For California, the investments into uncharted territory is seen by many as a risky, experimental move that may not pan out in its favor. To us, the state's decision to launch such an aggressive EV initiative almost ensures that California will once again lead the nation's drive towards a greener tomorrow.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via Green Car Advisor| Image: Cmildotin - C.C. License 2.0]