If you're wondering how the cost of California electric vehicles compares with other energy sources, read this article. It covers issues such as the cost of supporting electric vehicles (EVs) and the reliability of the grid. It also addresses the state's clean-energy goals. You'll also learn about the benefits and drawbacks of EVs as well as ways to improve the grid.
California's clean power goals
California's goals for clean energy are to reduce our dependence of fossil fuels. Despite its clean energy goals, California still relies on fossil fuels for its energy needs. This is because the state is seventh in natural gas production and fourteenth overall in oil production. We can achieve 100% clean energy by 2045 if the state has achieved its clean energy goals.
California still has much to do in order to meet these goals. However there are steps we can take that will help us on our way. One of these steps is to make greater use of distributed, sustainable energy sources. California has made large investments in solar energy, and other clean energy resources in recent times. California plans to produce half its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Meanwhile, lawmakers are crafting legislation to speed up this clean energy transition. More than 25 bills are currently 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 figure is projected to increase to 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. Despite all this, electricity demand has remained stable. In contrast, the amount of renewable fuels used in transportation has increased dramatically in recent years. It rose from 1% in 2005, to nearly twice that rate last year.
California has passed the Renewables Portfolio Standard. The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires that electricity providers purchase renewable energy to fulfill their renewable electricity requirements. This law requires that utilities buy at least 20% renewable electricity by 2022. Furthermore, they must increase their renewable portion by 1% each year.
Supporting EVs costs
California's air resource board will spend $95 million on various EV programs by the end 2019 This money is derived from registration fees and the proceeds of cap-and trade programs. The program will offer rebates to EV owners. But, if your goal is to purchase an EV you need to think about how much it will cost.
California's major utilities offer two kinds of rates for EV charging. The first rate applies only for electricity used by electric vehicles. The second rate covers all electricity consumed by a house.
Grid reliability
Reliability of the grid in California is an issue that has long been a cause for concern. 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. Recently, the Board of Governors of California Independent System Operator approved four new reliability must-run power plant contracts. These agreements will ensure that power stations will continue to operate for the entire duration of the agreements which will run until 2023.