Good news for VW fans!
This just in: The VW ID.4 qualifies for the $ 7,500 federal tax credit! Thanks to domestic manufacturing (in Tennessee) and their utilization of SK On batteries (manufactured in Georgia), the ID.4 is now on the list of EVs that qualify for the full credit.
Image courtesy of Andrea De Santis.
Hawaiian Electric DCFC Upgrade Update
Hawaiian Electric is progressing on its roadmap to upgrade its Efacec DC Fast Chargers network! This includes replacing aged equipment and doubling up stations at certain locations.
A peek into the 2024 Kia EV6
InsideEVs offers a peek into the Kia’s 2024 Kia EV6 offerings. Check out details on price, range, and features across several trim levels. The EV6 is a popular EV and a great option for those looking for an electric crossover.
Public Charging in Hawaii
In case you missed Hawaii EV’s October 6 webinar, you can view the recording here. The webinar capped off our National Drive Electric Week celebration.
View to learn about the latest on EV adoption in our state, local experiences with public charging, and efforts by our utilities and the State to enhance our charging infrastructure.
Enroll in Smart Charge Hawaii today
Enroll in Smart Charge Hawaii today
The Smart Charge Hawaii program, accessed via the ev.energy app, allows eligible electric vehicle drivers to track home charging costs and earn rewards for sharing EV charging data to improve power grid reliability across the islands. Sign up to earn your $75 enrolment incentive, plus an additional $75 completion bonus after 12 months on the program.
The ev.energy app is available for free to all Hawaii residents on iOS or Android. The app works by wirelessly connecting to an integrated EV or charger.
New Hawaii laws affecting electric vehicle owners
Hawaii’s Governor Green recently signed into law bill SB1534. Act 222 introduces the State’s Road Usage Fee. This is a step in moving away from fuel taxes to fund road maintenance in Hawaii.
2023 Hawaiʻi Commute Challenge: Go Multimodal!
We’ve shared the benefits of reducing ‘Vehicle Miles Traveled’ (VMT) in a January 2021 post (Sustainability through “VMT” Reduction). This deals with reducing the number of miles traveled by car. There are many strategies to achieve this, and the net benefit is a cleaner and more efficient transportation ecosystem. This does not deal with eliminating cars but reducing their need. There are several benefits to reducing VMT:
Reduction of transportation costs
Health improvement
Reduced traffic congestion
Better air quality
Emissions reduction
The pocketbook benefit of EVs
The latest Consumer Reports report on EV ownership costs confirms what many EV owners already appreciate. As a result of the lower ‘fueling’ and maintenance costs, consumers can save up to $12,000 over the vehicle's life over comparable fossil-burning vehicles. As more and more car manufacturers join the transition, we will see even greater improvements in the price of these vehicles, magnifying the overall cost advantages of EVs.
EVs in Government Fleets
“State and local governments around the country could save a total of nearly $11 billion in lifetime expenses by purchasing EVs as opposed to gasoline-powered vehicles for their light-duty fleets over the next 10 years.”
The efficiency and low maintenance associated with electric vehicles allow fleet owners to maximize their transportation budget and achieve decarbonization goals.
Smart Charge Hawaii Pilot
Hawaiian Electric has launched its Smart Charge Hawaii Pilot, a program designed to allow EV owners to optimize EV charging while providing the utility with data that can help with the design of future charging programs. Customers in their service territory who enroll in the program will be provided with access to a mobile app that will allow for tracking of EV charging events and costs. They will also receive an incentive of either $150 or 10,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles.
Nissan Ariya Review
Kama’aina Nissan was gracious and lent Big Island EV Association one of their brand new 2023 Nissan Ariya’s for a brief test drive. Nissan has been teasing the Ariya for many years, and many folks have been patiently waiting for this unique model to hit the market. Competition is heating up in this space, but I believe Nissan has created a winner with this vehicle.
“Auto Industry Must Drive a Greener Future”
Electric Vehicle Association President, Elaine Borseth, recently wrote an article in Fast Company. It summarized the progress being made in the electrification of transportation and, importantly, highlighted the sluggish and even obstructive response by large auto manufacturers.
Opportunity: Funding for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is facilitating a grant program designed to expand charging and fueling infrastructure. Total program funding is $700M. The grant application deadline is May 30, 2023.
The latest on EV Adoption in Hawaii
The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) reported 24,104 electric vehicles (EVs) registered in Hawaii in March 2023, accounting for 2.24% of all passenger vehicles. We’re also seeing good adoption across each county, with roughly 30% YoY increases in EV registrations.
“Urban mining” - a key to sustaining our clean energy transition
We recently came across details of a company that has found a way to reduce the environmental footprint of minerals processing, including the various metals critical for industry - nickel, cobalt, and more. As we transition globally to a clean energy future, there will be a heavy demand for solutions that require minerals.
Image by @rick_rothenberg
Look ma, no cord
Wireless (inductive) charging continues to evolve. Several manufacturers have been piloting wireless charging. BMW, Jaguar, Renault, and Ford are examples.
Wireless charging companies like Plugless Power, WiTricity, and WAVE offer solutions for electric vehicles. Some of them offer solutions for large trucks and buses.
Federal Tax Incentive Updates
The IRS announced today a change to the MSRP caps. These allow for more vehicles to be qualified for the clean vehicle tax credit. Here’s the current list of vehicles that qualify for the credit.
Another Hydrogen Musing
Hydrogen (H2) can play a critical role in our global efforts to decarbonize several sectors - energy, transportation, food, and industrial production. There is controversy, particularly regarding feedstock (materials used for H2 production) and application (what H2 is used for).
EV Incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act
PlugInAmerica summarizes the Federal EV tax credits that have been introduced in the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act in this Zoom recording.