Category: Blog

As the only Northern California-based member of the Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP), East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) plays a unique role in shaping our work within the Greater Los Angeles region and applying their learnings throughout the state. EBCE is the second largest Community Choice Aggregation provider in California, a public agency Joint Powers Authority (JPA), and the default Load Serving Entity formed under Assembly Bill 117 (2002). Governed by a 15-member Board of Directors consisting of elected officials from each of its JPA member communities in Alameda County and the City of Tracy (San Joaquin County), EBCE meets the electricity needs of over 60,000 commercial and industrial accounts and serves all residential accounts representing 1.7 million people. EBCE is also tasked with the development and management of energy related climate programs, including transportation electrification initiatives, that help their local government JPA member achieve local and state greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Participating in TEP since early 2020 has enabled EBCE to establish new strategic relationships with a variety of stakeholders including industry players in the medium- and heavy-duty goods movement sector that have a footprint in northern and southern California. This truly unique and dynamic partnership between TEP and EBCE enables market acceleration of zero-emission transportation statewide.

Light-duty EV Charging

One key area of focus for EBCE is light-duty electric vehicle charging. EBCE’s transportation electrification team has conducted an analysis to understand homecharging access throughout their service territory and identify critical disparities that could hinder widespread EV adoption. EBCE identified that in Alameda County alone 47% of the population are renters and 90% of all multifamily housing properties with 5+ units are 50 years old or older, which means that electrical capacity upgrades will  be likely across this building portfolio. Those upgrades are the property owner’s responsibility and not the tenants (e.g., key barrier to deploying Level 1 and/or Level 2 charging to enable home charging). Because those upgrades cannot occur quickly at the scale needed to meet the state’s goals, EBCE is prioritizing deployment of reliable, convenient, and cost-effective public fast charging options near where renters live to ensure all residents in EBCE’s service area can join the transition to EVs.

One such example is the Alameda County Incentive Project (AICP), which recently provided $17.3 million in incentives for publicly-accessible fast charging and Level 2 infrastructure. Co-funded by the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Electric Vehicle Incentive Project (CALeVIP) and EBCE, unique requirements of the program included allocating budget specifically for fast chargers that had to be located in areas EBCE identified as multi-unit dwelling “hotspots”. EBCE was also able to change the CEC’s CALeVIP rules for multifamily property Level 2 charging incentive “adders,” opening the door for any affordable multifamily provider, regardless of whether their property was in a disadvantaged community or low-income census tract boundary, to have access to this beneficial funding.

Another example of EBCE’s commitment to making the transition to EVs more accessible is their expanding fast charging network. EBCE’s equity-based strategy is focused on developing large fast charging hubs, owned by EBCE, in its multi-unit dwelling hotspots. This will eliminate charging deserts and provide access to charging for all, faster. EBCE’s first project is on the border of West Oakland and downtown in a municipal parking garage. Once built, it will be the largest fast charging hub in Oakland and 2nd largest in Alameda County with 17 dual port fast chargers. The garage is within 2 square miles of approximately 1,000 multifamily properties with 5+ units. There are currently no fast chargers in West Oakland, so this new hub will be a 100% increase in access to fast charging by nearby residents from baseline.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MD/HD) Goods Movement

EBCE’s electrification goals extend beyond the light-duty sector as well, as their service area is among the most strategic trade locations in the U.S. with connections to regional, state, national, and international markets. Alameda County provides most of the fundamental goods movement infrastructure in Northern California, including the Port of Oakland, Oakland International Airport and major freight corridors spanning into the Central Valley. Much of the focus on zero-emission goods movement to date has been centered on drayage trucks specifically operating at ports. However, to comprehensively transition to a zero-emission goods movement economy, EBCE’s lens is beyond port boundaries for deployment of charging infrastructure to ensure all MD/HD stakeholders have access where they need it most.

EBCE envisions an ecosystem of MD/HD goods movement vehicles that will recharge at facilities where they are domiciled, at third-party logistic facilities where they do business, and at convenient common fast charging yards that operate much like a wholesale gas station. Additionally, because origination of MD/HD goods movement vehicle trips is not exclusive to one city and is regional, a comprehensive approach to planning for this transition is necessary to bring the biggest community benefit to vulnerable populations.

Interregional Collaboration

As we push towards an electrified future, interregional collaboration will be more important than ever to ensure that the EV revolution extends beyond the Greater LA area. Through close cooperation, we can learn from other regions and share our own best practices in order to reach our common goals and create a cohesive, replicable system. Through EBCE’s active participation in TEP, we can show the world how collaboration transcends geography as we work towards an electrified California.

– Shevonne Sua, LACI Transportation Program Coordinator

The Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP) is an unprecedented regional public-private collaboration to accelerate deep reductions in climate and air pollution by the time of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. All of our partners have committed to work individually and collectively to pursue policies, pilot projects, and other actions that are equity-driven, create quality jobs, grow the economy, and help the region reach the bold targets in the TEP’s Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap 2.0.

The County of Los Angeles has been a member of the Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP) since its inception in 2018. Originally, the County’s interest in joining TEP stemmed largely from the Board’s priority to expand zero emissions goods movement, particularly around communities of color most severely impacted by transportation along the I-710 freeway given the huge environmental justice challenge that this corridor represents. Under Supervisor Janice Hahn’s leadership, the County joined TEP to accelerate its own sustainability goals and to demonstrate regional leadership in collaboration with other key stakeholders. “Clean air is a critical issue for all of us, especially the communities that have shouldered the burden of our transportation system and the harmful air pollution that it creates,” said Supervisor Hahn. “For too long we have been told we had to choose between clean air and good jobs. I know that we can and should have both.”

The County has since been instrumental in advancing the bold targets set by the Partnership in our Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap 2.0 as we work to accelerate transportation electrification and zero emissions goods movement in the Greater Los Angeles region. “Having ambitious partners at the table making ambitious commitments has bolstered our own internal goal setting process and inspired us to be more assertive,” said Gary Gero, Chief Sustainability Officer at LA County.

This assertive goal-setting is reflected in the County’s own regional sustainability plan, known as OurCounty, which highlights 12 key goals focused on equity, accessibility, and sustainability. In particular, goals 7 and 8 emphasize the need for a fossil fuel-free County and achieving a convenient, safe, clean, and affordable transportation system that enhances mobility and quality of life while reducing car dependency. More specifically, the Sustainability Plan set the goal of installing 60,000 new zero-emission vehicle charging stations by 2025, 70,000 by 2035 and achieving 100% of all new light-duty private vehicles as zero emission vehicles by 2045. 

Leading the Way in Fleet Purchasing

The County has already shown initiative in this endeavor through an influential policy approved by the Board in April 2021. Through the Board of Supervisors’ Policy Number 3.020, the County has set an example for other regions as they have committed to purchasing zero emission vehicles when replacing all County vehicles, to the extent that they are available and that they meet operational needs. “Zero emission vehicles employ technologies that do exist, are available, and we as a County will take leadership in our purchasing,” said Gero. “This will signal to fleet managers that the future is here and we as a region need to approach this with a new way of thinking.”

This shift in perspective is vital for the region – not only for environmental reasons, but also economic reasons. Southern California is already a leader in cleantech manufacturing, as evidenced by the three electric bus manufacturers (BYD Motors, Proterra, and New Flyer) located in the region. As the largest manufacturing county in the country, LA County seeks to continue creating good, well-paying union jobs that will transform the region to a clean industry. “The cleantech revolution is an economic opportunity for the region that will help us lead the transformation of the LA region’s economy into the 21st century,” said Gero. “As we shift towards a more sustainable future, it will be imperative for us to ensure equity is built into every step of the process.” 

Mode Shift Priorities

It is this new way of thinking and leadership that is so vital not only to the implementation of electric vehicle solutions in the region, but also to how we think about the transportation system as a whole. “We need to fundamentally rethink the way we move people and make the alternative just as good, if not better, than single occupancy vehicles,” said Gero. The County highlights this as another key goal in its Sustainability Plan, aiming to increase to at least 15% all trips by foot, bike, micromobility, or public transit by 2025, 30% by 2035, and 50% by 2045. Through participation in TEP and close coordination with other stakeholders, this will be a multi-stakeholder effort that will transform the way we move around the region and think about transportation. 

As we reflect on our vision of an electrified transportation system in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is key for stakeholders to think beyond what we believe is possible and shift the global view of Southern California as a car-centric region to one that is leading the way in clean transportation. “Being part of TEP has made us think deeply about what we thought was possible and how we can set goals that stretch the realm of possibility,” said Gero. “What might not be doable today may be doable tomorrow.” With these bold targets in place, we will work to accelerate the necessary change and go further, faster together. 

– Shevonne Sua, LACI Transportation Program Assistant

 The Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP) is an unprecedented regional public-private collaboration to accelerate deep reductions in climate and air pollution by the time of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. All of our partners have committed to work individually and collectively to pursue policies, pilot projects, and other actions that are equity-driven, create quality jobs, grow the economy, and help the region reach the bold targets in the TEP’s Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap 2.0.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the nation’s largest municipal utility, with over 8,000 megawatt electric capacity and serving the 4 million residents of the City of Los Angeles, its businesses and visitors. With its bold sustainability goals and leadership in transportation electrification, the utility plays an integral role as one of the founding partners of the Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP). “TEP creates a forum for all stakeholders, not just utilities, to have input,” says George Payba, Environmental Affairs Officer at LADWP. “It fosters the creation of new ideas that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred in a closed system.”

With this collaborative spirit, LADWP has been able to go above and beyond some of its initial targets. The Charge Up LA Program, for example, provides rebates for LADWP residential and commercial customers who install Level 2 chargers (240 Volt) in their home or business in LADWP’s service area. Since its creation, this program has been highly successful to the point where LADWP has met its prior goal of 10,000 EV charging stations by 2022 two years ahead of schedule. “L.A. is on the road to meeting the city’s targets of 25,000 commercial charging stations by 2025 and 28,000 by 2028,” Payba said. 

To encourage more medium and heavy duty vehicles to go electric, the LADWP Board of Water and Power Commissioners approved a new commercial EV charging rate in November 2021 to speed expansion of publicly available, fast vehicle charging stations.

But it’s not enough to build out more EV charging stations; it’s just as important to focus on where those stations are being developed. “One of the key elements we want to focus on is putting more electric vehicle charging infrastructure in disadvantaged communities (DACs),” says Payba. In addition to rebates for EV chargers, LADWP offers a used EV rebate for up to $1,500. “Our goal is to place about 40% of EVSEs in DACs since those are the areas impacted most by the effects of climate change.”

Additionally, LA City Council recently approved an equitable hiring plan, which instructs LADWP to increase hiring from environmentally and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and focus on “ensuring project labor agreements, prevailing wage and targeted hiring requirements” for clean energy jobs. The City anticipates creating 9,500 new jobs as part of the transition to 100% clean energy and to create a more inclusive green economy. 

In the same City Council meeting, the City of LA and LADWP took the historic step of requiring that100% of the City’s electricity come from clean, zero-carbon energy by 2035. Through a motion introduced by Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Mitch O’Farrell, LADWP will lead the nation in this ambitious and game-changing commitment to sustainable energy. With these bold targets and key milestones, LADWP has set a precedent for the rest of the nation to continue on the path towards transportation electrification. 

As we push towards the future, it will be more important thanever for stakeholders and industries to coalesce and ensure that the region is prepared for a fully electrified transportation system. “Regional collaborations such as TEP have the power to create lasting, meaningful change as we work together to electrify our future. As we promote the discussion of innovative ideas, we look forward to future collaboration to achieve a more sustainable region,” said Payba. These efforts will undoubtedly prove worth it as we near TEP’s Roadmap 2.0 targets in 2028. He adds, “We hope that by the time the world arrives for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, people will see what an electrified region can be. From the airport to the stadium, people will experience a cohesive, seamless,
electrified transportation system and be inspired to achieve the same in their own regions.”

– Shevonne Sua, LACI Transportation Program Assistant

 The Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP) is an unprecedented regional public-private collaboration to accelerate deep reductions in climate and air pollution by the time of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. All of our partners have committed to work individually and collectively to pursue policies, pilot projects, and other actions that are equity-driven, create quality jobs, grow the economy, and help the region reach the bold targets in the TEP’s Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap 2.0.

One of the earliest industry leaders to join the Transportation Electrification Partnership in 2018, BMW has made bold strides in reaching a sustainable future through its efforts in transportation electrification. As an initial signatory of the California Clean Car Framework Agreement in 2019, the company has committed to annual reductions of vehicle greenhouse gas emissions through the 2026 model year, encouraging innovation to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, providing industry the certainty needed to make investments and create jobs, and saving consumers money. In addition to their 2019 commitment, BMW has recently announced its goal to have electrification account for 50% of its global sales by 2030, expecting markets with attractive EV conditions to see a higher share. With bold policies being made on the local, regional, and state level, California is leading the way in this endeavor, and TEP has the right levers in place to move the LA region towards a zero emission future as we work to reach our Roadmap 2.0 goals by 2028. 

To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, BMW has made clear that electrification is the path forward. With the all-new BMW iX in the mid-size SUV range and the BMW i4 as a 4-door sedan, electromobility has become an integral part of the BMW brand. Both models embody the company’s approach towards creating a sustainable product, as they are not only emission-free vehicles, but are also sustainably produced with regards to sourcing, production, recycling, and use of materials. Production on both vehicles has started and they will be available in the United States in the first quarter of 2022. By 2023, the BMW Group will offer a total of 25 electrified models globally (13 all-electric and 12 plug-in hybrids) which will cover 90% of all of the company’s vehicle segments. Thiemo Schalk, Government Affairs representative from BMW of North America says: “A great strength of BMW always was to have the right offer at the right time. We are very proud to be bringing the BMW iX and i4 to the U.S. market very soon, both will meet our customers’ expectations and pave the way for our all-electric product offensive to come real soon.”

This type of auto manufacturer commitment is a key driver in promoting the use of electric vehicles. By providing consumers with reliable zero emission vehicle options, EVs will become more accessible and attractive to consumers. 

Furthermore, BMW Group’s sustainability goals extend beyond the sale of electric vehicles; the company has taken a holistic approach not only to transportation electrification, but also to the sustainability of their supply chain and production process as a whole. The goal is a cut of at least 50% of GHG emission by 2030. The recently presented BMW Group i Vision Circular vehicle, for example, presents new ideas of how future BMW Group vehicles can merge sustainability with mobility through the circular economy principles: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. With the aim of achieving 100% use of recycled materials alongside bio-based raw materials, this vehicle will be a model for the company’s commitment to circularity, and thus decarbonization. 

The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer to set concrete company targets for reducing CO2 emissions in its supply chain by 2030, making it a pioneer in auto manufacturing circularity.

“The electrification of our products is one important way to reduce GHG emission,” says Thiemo Schalk. “Yet, real sustainability is more than that – we must avoid a shift of these emissions into the supply chain and battery production, and have to ensure ethical labor conditions and compliance with environmental standards all at the same time. The BMW Group has taken measures already to achieve this, and with our circularity strategy we keep on driving it even further.”

With these bold plans for transportation electrification and incorporating circularity in the production process, charging infrastructure will become increasingly important in the years ahead. For this reason, the automaker is among TEP partners that are keen to develop the right charging solution for everybody – at home, at work, on-street, and super-fast DC charging at hotspots and along all routes. Making electromobility available to everybody is the main task of this decade, the BMW Group believes. The more abundant and accessible charging infrastructure is, the sooner and easier the shift towards EVs will be.

Though work remains to achieve decarbonization and widespread electrification, with close cooperation between providers, utilities, government, and other stakeholders, a sustainable future becomes closer to our reach.

“We believe that there is more than enough innovative spirit and tangible solutions to tackle the challenge, much of which are gathered in TEP. This makes us a proud part of TEP, and together we will succeed,” Thiemo Schalk said. 

The BMW i Vision Circular. Source: BMW Group