California Center for Sustainable Energy

Why Plan for the Deployment of PEVs in the San Joaquin Valley?

The San Joaquin Valley’s unique geography, emissions from both northern and southern California as well as air pollution from regional population growth collectively create significant challenges to the region’s air quality. Transportation continues to be one of the largest contributors to air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley. With respect to smog-forming oxides of nitrogen (NOx), nearly 60% are directly attributed to cars and trucks on the road today. As a result of progressive leadership from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control district, region wide emission levels have dropped significantly since 1990. However, sharp emission reductions in the transportation sector are essential in order for this trend to continue. While not the only method, the increased deployment of PEVs is a key strategy to realizing reduced emissions, providing a necessary pathway to improved air quality for all residents in the San Joaquin Valley.

What is the SJV PEVCC?

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District approved the funding of two grants, one from the California Energy Commission and the other from the US. Department of Energy, to increase zero-emission and clean vehicle awareness and deployment in the San Joaquin Valley. These two grants funded the formation of the San Joaquin Valley Plug-in Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council (SJV PEVCC) and the strategic planning for PEVs and public and private charging infrastructure, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in the San Joaquin Valley. The SJV PEVCC will be comprised of representatives from local governments, public agencies, utilities, local universities and community colleges, industry and the nonprofit sector.

What is the Purpose of the SJV PEVCC?

The primary focus of the SJV PEVCC is to develop a San Joaquin Valley PEV readiness plan that identifies, reduces and resolves barriers to the widespread deployment of private and public PEV charging stations in the region. The SJV PEVCC will develop and prepare fact sheets and other best-practice materials that address the major components of a PEV readiness plan. These components include updating zoning and parking policies, streamlining the permitting and inspection processes and updating building codes for EVSE and PEV parking. The PEV readiness plan also includes an outreach and education component on PEV technology and EVSE installation procedures for local residents and businesses. The plan will also emphasize challenges to EVSE installation at multiunit dwellings (MUDs), regional planning for EVSE siting, working with utilities to manage grid impacts, workplace charging with local employers, promotion of PEVs in government fleets and leveraging renewable energy in PEV charging.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2013 from 1:30 p.m to 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the SJVAPCD Fresno office located at 1990 E. Gettysburg Ave. Fresno, CA 93726 (map).

Teleconference and video teleconferencing (Modesto and Bakersfield offices) will also be available.

Meeting Schedule