This article will show you how California's electric vehicle costs compare to other energy sources. It addresses issues such as cost of electric vehicle support (EVs), reliability of the grid, and more. It also discusses the state's clean energy goals. You will also find out about the benefits and disadvantages associated with EVs and how the grid can improve.
California's clean energy goals
California's clean energy goals are aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Despite the state's clean energy goals however, it still uses fossil fuels in order to meet its energy needs. That's because our state ranks seventh in oil production and fourteenth in natural gas 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 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 significant investments in renewable energy resources and solar energy in recent years. California plans to produce half its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Meanwhile, lawmakers are crafting legislation to speed up this clean energy transition. At the moment, more than 25 bills are pending in state legislatures.
Increasing 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%. By 2030, this number is projected to rise to 35 percent. This growth will be mostly from solar and winds energy. Non-hydro sources, however, have grown from just 1 percent to 12.5 per cent in 2005 to 12.5 per cent by 2020. Despite this, the demand for electric power has remained fairly 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.
In order to encourage more renewable energy, California has enacted the Renewables Portfolio Standard or RPS. This act requires electricity providers to purchase renewable energy to meet their renewable electricity needs. This law requires electricity providers to purchase at minimum 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources before 2022. In addition, they must increase the renewable share by one percentage per year.
Costs of supporting EVs
California's air resources board plans to spend $95 million by the end of 2019 on various EV programs. The money comes from a portion from registration fees, and proceeds from cap & trade programs. The program will offer rebates to EV owners. 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 applies only for electricity used by electric vehicles. The second rate is for all electricity consumed within a home.
Grid reliability
California's grid reliability has been a concern for years. The state's electricity is dependent on outside power, which makes it vulnerable to weather events and political changes. The electricity grid is being put under extreme strain by the increasing demand for energy and electric cars.
State efforts are being made to improve 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 that power stations will continue to operate for the entire duration of the agreements which will run until 2023.