Convert Those Clunkers!

Remember the billion dollar “Cash for Clunkers”, a.k.a. the federal Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program?? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_Allowance_Rebate_System The one that was so successful it ran out of money in 30 days and Congress had to pitch in another $2 billion so it could run its allotted time? The one that resulted in 677,081 old vehicles being scrapped for more efficient ones??

What if there was a similar program for EVs but with a twist? What if instead of paying to destroy ICE vehicles, we helped pay to have ICE cars / buses / trucks converted into BEVs??

Why this twist? Several reasons.?

• If we want to #decarbonize #transportation as much as possible, we have to look at the big picture. We can’t just look at the carbon released by mining, refining and burning fossil fuels, we must address the carbon released when making new vehicles. Retrofitting an existing EV releases far less carbon than building a new one.?
• In the US, new EVs are expensive. They’re priced beyond the reach of those with fewer resources. The pool of used EVs is still small. They’re more affordable than new, but their relative scarcity drives the price up. Adding widespread retrofitting into the mix gives everyone greater financial flexibility and will also add more used EVs to the market.?
• We need many more well trained EV techs. We need more EV capable mechanics shops. Programs like this will help pull people into the EV industry, expanding the EV related workforce.? We will also need organizations like the ASE - National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (#ASE) to expand their EV related certifications so consumers can make informed decisions when choosing a conversion shop.?

Is anyone doing this? So far, there’s only one (verified by Karen Bailey-Chapman of #SEMA) program. California SB-301 - https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB301, introduced by Senators Anthony Portantino and Josh Newman , sponsored by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) . If passed, it would provide $4,000 (raised from $2,000!) in assistance to electrify an internal combustion powered vehicle.

According to Ms. Bailey-Chapman, the bill has been held over to the 2024 CA legislative session.? If you’re in CA, please let your state representatives know that you’re in favor of SB-301!

If passed, it’s a start, but only a start. We need every little bit to achieve our decarbonization goal.?

What do you think?? Is there any movement in your state to create programs encouraging EV conversions?? Please share and comment below. Thank you.