The good news? Electric vehicles adoption leads to fewer hospital visits. A study published earlier this year found that in California, every 20 zero-emissions vehicles per 1,000 people in a given zip code led to a 3.2 percent drop in the rate of emergency room visits due to asthma.
We understand the effects of a changing climate and its causes: fossil fuel production is directly linked to increased respiratory and cardiac illnesses, higher rates of miscarriage and cancer, and premature death. Historical injustices aimed at communities of color, like redlining and segregation, means that people of color have borne the brunt of dirty energy extraction, production and use.
But now we see clear evidence that higher EV adoption leads to clean air and better health outcomes. And with California’s commitment to 100% EV car sales by 2035, and growing affordability, everyone can be part of this transition to healthier air.
In the early years of electric vehicle (EV) production and use, only the wealthy could afford the hefty price of EVs. As more folks adopted these clean cars, the price point started to drop. Successful adoption of EVs of California paved the way for more automakers to develop and bring them to market. Today, there are many EVs available and, compounded with California’s aims for 100% new EV sales by 2035, EVs are the future.
Many new EVs are pricey. However, there are a number of them that are within the price point of any new car, including four at $30,000 or under.
Another option is the EV secondary market. There are many very reliable , used EVs and plug-in hybrids out there that folks are snapping up.
The great thing is that there is a whole crop of rebates and incentives to get you into a clean new or used car! Check these out:
- SCE Pre-Owned EV Rebate: (SCE customers) – Receive $1,000 or $4,000 on a used EV or plug-in hybrid. Check out the list of eligible vehicles here;
- Clean Vehicle Rebate Project: (Statewide) – Get $1,000 to $7,000 back when you switch to a new vehicle;
- Clean Vehicle Rebate Project Savings Calculator – calculate how much you can receive;
- Replace Your Ride: (South Coast AQMD) Receive up to $9,500 when you switch to a newer, cleaner vehicle, new or used;
- Replace Your Ride Calculator – check how much you can save on a clean car;
- Drive Clean – search for EV rebates all over California;
- Federal tax credits – info on $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs.
For more information, check out our March 14 webinar that highlighted the inextricable link between transportation pollution, public health, racial disparities, housing and development issues, and the climate crisis. We also highlighted the rebates available.
Sign up to participate in CIPL’s Clean Transportation Team; spread the word of rebates, make public comments at relevant hearings, and more!
Tell us about your journey to a clean vehicle. Did you use rebates and/or tax credits? Write to us at allis@interfaithpower.org!
Congregational Resiliency Hub Resources