California bill to ban new fossil-fueled cars by 2040 coming in January

California state capitol, SacramentoA California lawmaker will propose a bill next month that will ban the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles in the state beginning in 2040. Assemblymember Phil Ting, a Democrat representing much of the Bay Area, said he plans to introduce the bill when lawmakers return for the next legislative session in Sacramento. DON'T MISS: Bill could ban...

How about electric semis that draw power from overhead wires?

Siemens catenary system to electrify semi trucksWhile battery-powered semi trucks remains years away for many prominent makers, the German tech company Siemens is experimenting with a well-known source of electric power delivery to make a different kind of electric semi. Much like electric trams or streetcars used by public transit agencies for more than 100 years, the method employs a catenary...

CARB steps up shadow-EPA role with new building, vehicle testing lab

Site of new California Air Resources Board headquarters, Riverside, CA, Oct 2017For 45 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has been charged with protecting the U.S. from pollution in its air, water, and land. Under the Trump Administration, its administrator Scott Pruitt is aggressively muzzling and removing scientists, eradicating climate-science from its activities, and eliminating dozens of regulations. That makes...

Los Angeles Metro orders 100 electric buses

New Flyer Xcelsior Charge electric busAs part of its bid to go green, America's second-largest bus system has placed an order for up to 100 New Flyer Xcelsior Charge all-electric buses. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) has ordered 35 buses and has the option to purchase an additional 65. DON'T MISS: LA Metro uses BYD's electric buses L.A.'s new...

Toyota to study Mirai-derived fuel-cell tech for heavy-duty trucks

Toyota 'Project Portal' proof-of-concept hydrogen fuel-cell powered semi tractor, for Port of LAToyota announced on Thursday that it will begin testing in two California ports a hydrogen fuel-cell heavy-duty truck adapted from the Toyota Mirai's powertrain for drayage use. Initially, Toyota is looking at how it can use hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicles to significantly reduce vehicle emissions in short-haul situations, such as at...

Bill could ban gasoline-car sales in California by 2040

California state capitol, SacramentoCalifornia, long a leader in emission reduction and electric-car incentives, may be ready to take the next big step: a full ban on the sale of new cars powered by gasoline or diesel. Such a ban would follow India, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and others around the world with aggressive targets to reduce emissions and curb...

California plans for its post-fossil-fuel future in electricity, cars

California state capitol, SacramentoFor 50 years, the state of California has led the United States when it comes to renewable energy and electric cars. The state features many programs to incentivize electric-car ownership, and 29 percent of the state's 2016 energy production came from solar, wind, and other renewable power sources. California is now preparing for a future in which...