Nonprofits Fueling the EV Industry

Help’s Coming from Government & Non-Government Entities

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is about to have its most significant sales spike thanks to international legislation and nonprofits ramping up support efforts. These cars are critical for defining a net-zero world.

The accessibility of EVs is still not ideal due to high prices and limited access to charging stations. Luckily, government and non-governmental initiatives are in process to smooth out these imperfections.

The Current State of EVs–More Work Needs to be Done

Some may wonder about the necessity of nonprofit involvement in the EV industry since companies are already making these cars for commercial use. Over 6.8 million EVs were sold worldwide in 2021, and that number is expected to rise.

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022 contains several points concerning EVs, including:

• Tax credits: Until 2032, buyers can receive a $7,500 tax credit on a list of approved American-made EVs. These cap at 200,000 vehicles per maker. Used cars, commercial EVs and charging station equipment are also officially eligible for the credit.

• USPS changes: The United States Postal Service will receive billions of dollars in funding to electrify its fleet and add charging infrastructure.

• Heavy-duty vehicles: A Clean Heavy Duty Vehicles rebate will be available for Native American tribes, schools and disadvantaged communities.

• Training programs: These accomplishments cannot occur if more workers are not trained on how to create EVs, so broader education for environmental jobs, including EV manufacturing, will be put in place.

There is still work to be done, such as reconciling the negative impacts of EV battery manufacturing and creating more market equity. This will be achieved with the help of nonprofits, primarily when investors look beyond profit alone.

Here are three nonprofits fueling the EV industry.

1. Electric for All

Electric for All offers valuable tools for buyers and owners to start and continue their low-emissions journeys by providing the much-needed education drivers need about EVs. Simple tutorials and charging station locators offer all the necessary information in one place.

Its most notable campaign, Myths Busting Myths, features cryptids and creatures like unicorns and Martians to help dispel misinformation and quell hesitations about switching to EVs. The mission to standardize information is crucial for widespread adoption.

[Ed. note: This group is part of Veloz, a public-private partnership funded by utilities, car companies, EV infrastructure provideers and others that features a board that also includes representatives from government agencies as well as environmental organizations]

2. Electric Vehicle Council

The Electric Vehicle Council focuses on creating cooperatives, engaging in research and providing education to make installing charging stations and deploying EVs easier.

It has researched optimizing charging stations and discovered a severe geographic gap in EV distribution — 15 states make up 81.7% of EV registrations nationwide. As sales increase significantly with new legislation, the nation will need to have at least 2.78 million charging stations installed to meet demand by 2030.

[Ed. note: The Council is part of the Fuels Institute, an educational non-profit funded primarily by the petroleum industry and Walmart and features a board of directors that includes auto companies, oil company and retail representatives.]

3. Electrification Coalition

Transportation consumes 66% of the United States’ 20% of global crude oil and petroleum usage, which is an atmospheric and public health threat. The Electrification Coalition hopes to perpetuate the idea of electric mobility, reminding everyone how infrastructure to support this widespread movement is already in place.

It focuses on policy development on a federal, state and local level. The Electrification Coalition Business Council and Electric Freight Consortium provide collaborative avenues for larger entities to collect resources and mobilize toward municipal fleet progress.

Its numerous EV deployment programs provide training and analysis support to create a level playing field.

[Ed. note: This environmental nonprofit was founded by an auto company executive, an energy company executive and a transportation company executive with the goal of promoting the transition from fossil fuels to electric vehicles. It is primarily funded primarily from foundation grants.]

Creating a Better Future With EVs

Cars reliant on fossil fuel will eventually become obsolete as we move toward a greener future. The atmosphere’s composition has been irrevocably affected by diesel and gasoline emissions, and we cannot hope to repair all of the damage. However, we can change humanity’s outlook on personal and public EVs to prevent future environmental ramifications.