Biden announces standards for charging stations for electric vehicles
US President Joe Biden announces the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day for the next six months from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, as part of the administration’s efforts to lower gas prices, under remarks in the Eisenhower Executive Office Buildings South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington, March 31[ads1], 2022.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
This week, the Biden administration proposed new standards for its program to build a national network of 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles by 2030, the latest move in accelerating the country’s transition to clean energy.
Biden officials said the proposed minimum standards will help establish the basis for states to build charging station projects that are accessible to all drivers regardless of location, EV mark or charging company.
Electrification of the transportation sector, one of the largest contributors to US greenhouse gas emissions, is crucial in curbing climate change. The administration has designated electric cars as cheaper for Americans than gas-powered cars and has set a target of 50% sales of electric vehicles by 2030.
Earlier this year, the White House introduced a $ 5 billion plan to states to fund electric car chargers over the next five years. The plan is part of the two-part infrastructure legislation, which includes $ 7.5 billion to build a national network of charging stations for electric cars.
“Everyone deserves a chance to take advantage of electric cars,” Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in an interview with reporters on Wednesday.
“We take into account not only the number of electric car chargers, but also their quality,” Buttigieg said. “Everyone should be able to find a working charging station when and where they need it.”
Officials said the standards would ensure a unified network of chargers with similar payment systems, pricing information and charging speeds. The rule requires real-time information on station prices and location so that drivers can better plan their trips. And stations will be required to have a minimum number and type of chargers.
“We tackle range anxiety and vehicle charging deserts by making sure charging stations are easy and equally accessible so that all Americans can get from coast to coast in an electric vehicle,” Energy Minister Jennifer Granholm said in a statement.
The United States is the world’s third largest market for electric cars behind China and Europe. EV drivers spend 60% less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars, according to a 2020 Consumer Reports study.
The White House has previously proposed an incentive package for electric cars to allocate extra money to consumers who bought electric cars built by unionized workers. The administration has also promised to transfer its federal fleet of 600,000 cars and trucks to electric power by 2035.
The proposed rule is expected to be published in the federal registry next week.
SEE: Technology that allows drivers to charge while driving
