Transportation
After the Pandemic, Use EVs to Absorb Spare Utility Capacity
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, demand for electricity had already been flat or declining on most utility grids in the United States for a decade. But with 297 million people—90 percent of the US population—now under “shelter in place” or “stay at home” orders, the load on utility systems…
Electric Vehicles Are the Next Dominant Class of Renewable Energy Buyers
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is growing rapidly. According to 2019 Bloomberg analysis, annual passenger EV sales surpassed 2 million in 2018, are expected to increase to 10 million by 2025, 28 million by 2030, and will comprise over half of all passenger vehicle sales by 2040, or 56 million vehicles…
Oil Market Disruptions and Climate Action Tipping Points
While it is far too early to discuss the long-term impacts of the spread of COVID-19, in addition to the toll on human lives it has already caused significant disruptions to the global economy. As Rocky Mountain Institute focuses on promoting the wellbeing of our employees, communities, and partners, we…
Britain’s Ban on Gasoline and Diesel Cars Is a Game Changer for EVs
The UK announced plans this week to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2035, pulling ahead their previous target date of 2040. If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to reach carbon-reduction goals in the transportation sector, this might just be the most effective policy. It…
The Hidden Costs of EV Charging Infrastructure
If you had to guess where the best opportunities are to reduce the cost of EV charging infrastructure, what would you say? The charging station hardware, perhaps? Or maybe installation techniques, like “future-proofing” by installing larger conduit and other elements of the “make-ready” infrastructure that supplies power to the charging…
