Energy-efficient infrastructure projects hold a key opportunity for contractors

For builders that incorporate sustainable systems into their projects, the $1.80-per-square-foot 179D tax deduction can quickly climb to millions of dollars.

By Dean Zerbe • Nov. 22, 2021

Buyer interest in EVs grows as automakers introduce more appealing models

Electric vehicles are in the spotlight following Biden's visit to a Detroit factory and the debut of new models at the LA Auto Show. But concerns about cost, charging and consumer acceptance remain. 

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 19, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Building Electrification

Decarbonization goals are spurring building electrication efforts across the U.S. While the use of heat pumps and other technologies is expanding, some policies are facing legal challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

All-electric Ford F-150 Lightning sparks interest as electric vehicles make waves

Pickup truck aficionados and first-timers alike are anticipating new electric releases from Ford, Tesla, Rivian and Chevrolet.

By Matthew Thibault • Nov. 19, 2021

Pro-union electric vehicle purchase credits could be dropped from reconciliation bill

New federal funds for electric vehicle charging won't flow until 2022, experts say, making the Build Back Better reconciliation bill even more important. But purchasing credits that favor unionized automakers remain a topic of debate.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2021

California readies $1.4B push to help reach electric vehicle charging, hydrogen refueling goals

The move comes more than a year after California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an order that sought to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles in the state by 2035.

By Kavya Balaraman • Nov. 17, 2021

Global EV sales rise 80% in 2021 as automakers including Ford, GM commit to zero emissions: BNEF

New analysis from BloombergNEF is bullish on zero emission vehicles, concluding they will "capture a higher share of passenger vehicle sales, sooner than previously expected."

By Robert Walton • Nov. 12, 2021

Accelerated renewables deployment, electrification critical to cutting carbon emissions 50% by 2030, EPRI finds

The nation is on track to reduce emissions 27% from 2005 levels in the next eight years, but the electric and transportation sectors must accelerate progress to meet the 50% interim goal for 2030, a new study says.

By Emma Penrod • Nov. 11, 2021

New England electricity use will grow more than 1% annually amid electrification push, says ISO

The ISO New England grid will be challenged by extreme weather and a changing resource mix, according to a biennial report from the grid operator. Generators say there is increasing urgency to address issues in wholesale markets.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2021

Electric vehicle adoption poised to surge, say experts, if Congress OKs $100B in purchase incentives

EV sales in the United States could finish 2021 at 5% of new purchases, according to industry observers. That's a milestone, but experts say adoption could really take off depending on investment by the federal government.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2021

Unlocking the Transition: As Tesla, Ford and others invest billions in EVs, will the power system be ready?

The new White House zero emission vehicle target of 50% of new car sales by 2030 has a long way to go, a short time to get there, and big challenges along the way.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2021

House passes Build Back Better, tees up Senate vote on funding for climate, clean energy and electric vehicles

The bill's passage comes days after President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that also boosts spending on shifting the U.S. away from fossil fuels.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Nov. 19, 2021

Maine explores rate design changes to boost storage, EV deployment

The state must deploy 400 MW of energy storage by 2030, prompting regulators to explore time-of-use rates and other structures that could encourage residential and commercial deployment.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 28, 2021

Supply chain woes continue to crimp Tesla's vehicle, energy business

Despite record profits, Tesla executives say supply constraints have limited the company's ability to meet growing demand. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 25, 2021

10 cleantech startups to watch

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator fall 2021 cohort has companies whose efforts range from wildfire prevention to transportation electrification. CEO Matt Petersen discusses challenges startups face in working with the public sector.

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 25, 2021

The wrong policies will hinder electrification — here's what we need to do

Utilities' priority must be delivering clean, reliable power as efficiently as possible, so as a regulator, I'm skeptical when utilities propose that their role is to promote electrification with their ratepayers' money, the author writes.

By Abigail Anthony • Oct. 20, 2021

Autonomous or electric? Knight-Swift, PGT Trucking choose both

Knight-Swift put in a reservation for Embark's AV technology around the same time it ordered a battery-electric T680E from Kenworth.

By S.L. Fuller • Oct. 19, 2021

Southern California Edison eyes building electrification filing later this year

The proposal would be similar to the utility's transportation electrification program, which is the largest in the United States.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 15, 2021

EVs and hydrogen may dominate, but trucking's green movement isn't void of diesel and gas

Curbing emissions doesn't have to be all or nothing. Renewable diesel and natural gas can produce a "double-green effect" that cut downs carbon and costs, industry experts said.

By S.L. Fuller • Oct. 12, 2021

Mercedes-Benz touts sustainability with electric vehicle experiences

In addition to a 20-city test drive tour, the carmaker will promote its first line of electric models at pop-ups in New York and California.

By Chris Kelly • Oct. 11, 2021

New Jersey's EV charging proposal for trucks could be a national model, with a few changes

Electrifying the U.S. truck and bus fleet is not only a transformational opportunity, it's a big lift. We need to get it right the first time, the author writes.

By Pete Silva • Oct. 4, 2021

Boston passes new building decarbonization ordinance

Acting Mayor Kim Janey signed an ordinance Tuesday requiring buildings 20,000 square feet or larger to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as a wave of cities pursue regulations to reduce building-sector emissions.

By Scott Pruden • Updated Oct. 6, 2021

As California's solar net metering battle goes to regulators, a focus on reliability may be the best answer

The reliability value of solar plus storage in ensuring resource adequacy might be the key to solar's future, according to Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies Executive Director V. John White.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 1, 2021

California utility energy savings goals now account for fuel-switching potential

State regulators want efficiency program administrators to "start developing infrastructure to roll out electrification programs now," said Mohit Chhabra, a senior scientist with NRDC's climate and clean energy program.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 29, 2021

Denver creates new role to advance building decarbonization incentives

As buildings and homes account for 64% of the city's GHG emissions, it created what's believed to be a first-of-its-kind role to support new strategies after voters greenlit a $40 million Climate Protection Fund last year.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 29, 2021

State, federal actions show growing push for a nuclear role in reaching net zero emissions

Former critics of nuclear power agree, financial support may be justified for firm power options to tackle climate change and get over the net zero emissions finish line.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 28, 2021