California has called for no electric vehicle charging just days after banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars. The state's Independent System Operator (ISO) issued an alert warning of possible outages in the power grid as a result of the heat wave in the western part of the country.
The California ISO has issued a statewide Flex Alert for today, Aug. 31, from 4-9 p.m. due to excessive heat and high energy demand. Consumers are encouraged to reduce their energy use to protect grid reliability. Read the news release: https://t.co/1OWL4DHfi1 pic.twitter.com/do5KXR69Rm
- California ISO (@California_ISO) August 31, 2022
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted last week on new regulations that will require 100% of new cars sold in the state by 2035 to be of those considered zero-emission. A rule that will ensure 35% of new cars sold in the state will not be gasoline-powered by 2026. In 2028 this figure will rise to 51% and in 2030, 68%. The measure has the unconditional support of the Democratic governor, the radical Gavin Newsom.
However, just a few days after approving the gasoline car ban, Newsom himself called on Californian citizens to reduce their electricity consumption, especially in the evenings, to save energy and reduce the risk of power outages.
Interestingly, when Governor Newsom launched his war on the gasoline-powered automobile, he used the fight against the "climate crisis" as an excuse. Now that he is asking Californians not to plug in their electric vehicles, he is using the same alibi again:
This is just the latest reminder of how real the climate crisis is, and how it is impacting the everyday lives of Californians.
Anti-evidence policy agenda
Analysts and the automotive industry have been warning for months about the shortage of electric charging points. The California Energy Commission itself acknowledged in June that more than one million stations would be needed to meet estimated targets. Manufacturers have also warned of the lack of infrastructure, materials and ongoing supply chain problems that could cause serious problems in the Golden State.
Automakers are making massive investments in #EVs.
Whether or not CA's sales mandates are achievable is directly linked to factors like inflation, charging and fuel infrastructure, #supplychains, labor, critical minerals and the #semiconductor shortage.https://t.co/SiygGuODR0
- Alliance for Automotive Innovation (@autosinnovate) August 24, 2022
Nevertheless, the political agenda won out and now, Californians will be left without a gasoline-powered vehicles and the ability to charge their expensive electric cars.
