CA to Ramp Up Electric Motorcycle Sales
11/21/2024 | 1m 55sVideo has Closed Captions
California plans new rules to boost zero-emission motorcycle sales.
California leads the nation with plans to increase zero-emission motorcycle sales, targeting 50% by 2035. Despite benefits like low fuel costs, riders cite limited charging stations and range issues. Manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Zero are already investing in electric models. The proposal marks a step toward cleaner air and aligns with European standards.
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SoCal Matters is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal
CA to Ramp Up Electric Motorcycle Sales
11/21/2024 | 1m 55sVideo has Closed Captions
California leads the nation with plans to increase zero-emission motorcycle sales, targeting 50% by 2035. Despite benefits like low fuel costs, riders cite limited charging stations and range issues. Manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Zero are already investing in electric models. The proposal marks a step toward cleaner air and aligns with European standards.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipMotorcyclists have long loved their noisy, gas-powered machines that allow them to ride long distances on highways and remote roads with few fueling stops.
Now, in a nationwide first, California is planning new rules that ramp up sales of zero-emission motorcycles in its quest to clean the air and battle climate-warming gases.
The regulations would impose a credit system for manufacturers so 10% of motorcycles sold in California would be zero emissions in 2028 and 50% in 2035, according to the State Air Resources Board.
Motorcycles are more often used for recreation than for daily commutes, and they collectively emit far less pollution than gas-powered cars and diesel trucks.
A mile driven in a gas-powered motorcycle emits far more pollutants than a mile in a new gas-powered car.
For the reactive gases that form smog, it's a whopping 20 times more per mile, according to the Air Board.
State officials hope more motorcyclists will be interested in the benefits that zero-emission bikes have to offer - low fueling costs and less maintenance.
Many motorcyclists point out California's inadequate network of public charging stations and the limited range of electric models that are unsuitable for long-distance rides.
Several manufacturers, including Harley-Davidson, Ducati, and Kawasaki already make electric bikes, and some companies like Zero and Verge build exclusively electric bikes.
State officials said the regulation strikes a balance by moving forward toward electrification in catching up with European standards for gas-powered motorcycles and yet still allowing California consumers to have a range of options.
The State Air Resources Board was scheduled to make a decision about the proposal on November 7th but has postponed the vote.
With CalMatters, I'm Alejandra Reyes-Velarde.
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SoCal Matters is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal