This article will help you compare the cost of California's electric vehicles to other energy sources. It discusses issues like the cost of supporting electric cars (EVs), and the reliability of our grid. It also discusses the state's clean energy goals. You'll also learn the advantages and disadvantages EVs have, and how you can improve the grid.
California's clean power goals
California's goals for clean energy are to reduce our dependence of fossil fuels. Despite having clean energy goals California still relies heavily on fossil fuels to provide its energy needs. It is ranked seventh in the production of oil and 14th in natural gasoline production. We would be able to reach our goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045 if we adopt the state's clean-energy goals.
California still has a lot of work to do before it can meet these goals. However, there are a few steps that are helping us get there. One of those steps is to make more use of distributed, renewable energy sources. California has made substantial investments in solar energy and other renewable energy resources over the past few years. By 2025, half of California's power will come from renewable sources. Meanwhile, lawmakers are crafting legislation to speed up this clean energy transition. Currently, there are more than 25 bills pending in the state legislature.
Increased reliance on renewable resources
California is making significant progress in increasing its renewable energy use, especially solar energy and wind power. Last year, California's total electric energy production was 19.8%. This percentage is expected to reach 35 percent by 2030. This growth will mostly be from solar and wind energy, but non-hydro sources have grown from a mere 1 percent in 2005 to 12.5 percent by 2020. However, the demand for electricity remains relatively stable. In recent years, however, renewable fuels have seen a significant increase in use in transport, rising from just 1% in 2005 to almost double the rate last year.
California created the Renewables Portfolio Standard. This law requires electricity providers to buy renewable energy in order to meet their renewable electricity demands. Under this law, utilities must purchase at least 20 percent of their electricity needs from renewable sources by 2022, and they must increase their renewable share by one percent each year.
Supporting EVs costs
California's state air resources board has plans to spend $95million by 2019 on various EV-related programs. This money is derived from registration fees and the proceeds of cap-and trade programs. The program is expected provide rebates for EV owner. However, if a EV is something you're considering purchasing, you should think about the costs involved.
California's largest utilities offer two types EV charging rates. The first rate covers only the electricity used by EVs. The second rate applies to all of a home's electricity use.
Grid reliability
California's grid reliability is a problem that has been concerning for a long time. The state relies on outside power for about 20 percent to 30 percent of its electricity, making the reliability of its grid vulnerable to weather and political conditions. The electricity grid is under immense strain due to the increased demand for energy, electric vehicles, and air conditioners.
This has led to the state making significant strides towards improving grid reliability. For example, the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator recently approved the extension of reliability must-run contracts with four power plants. These agreements will ensure the power plants are operational for the entirety of the agreement, which runs until 2023.