North Carolina sets goal to sell 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030

An executive order released Friday by Gov. Roy Cooper expands the state's climate ambitions with new goals for zero-emission transportation and workforce equity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 11, 2022

The road ahead: How legacy auto brands will level the EV playing field in 2022

After setting the stage at CES with lofty product announcements, carmakers will focus on value, range and brand heritage to close the gap with disrupters like Tesla.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 5, 2022

12 predictions about the trends that will shape smart cities in 2022

As local leaders continue to adapt to the tremendous changes that the past year brought, industry players share how they anticipate cities will evolve.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 5, 2022

Q&A's from 2021 that spotlight 13 smart cities voices

Revisit the year's one-on-one conversations, including with tech and climate leaders in Honolulu, Phoenix and San Diego and with execs at Revel, Veo and Drop Mobility.

Dec. 23, 2021

NYC's new gas ban highlights market growth needs for building electrification

Outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the climate legislation in his final days in office, but work to expand awareness, market development and worker training remains.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 22, 2021

Biden order on emissions-free power, EVs sends market signals, experts say

As part of the effort, the federal government — the largest U.S. energy consumer — would get half of its power from 24/7 emissions-free sources by 2030.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 10, 2021

Major US utilities plan nationwide charging network, anticipating 22M EVs by 2030

Within a decade, more than 100,000 fast-charging stations will be needed to support the adoption of electric vehicles, according to the Edison Electric Institute. But some areas face significant barriers to growth, experts say.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2021

Tesla solar roof fires subject of SEC, Consumer Product Safety Commission investigations

A former Tesla employee accused the company of failing to disclose safety risks from solar panels. 

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 8, 2021

Reassessing the smart cities movement

Smart Cities Dive asked 25 of the largest U.S. cities how they define a "smart city" and how that definition has evolved, the challenges they've faced in rolling out equitable policies and technologies, and their outlook for what's next.

By the Smart Cities Dive Team • Nov. 9, 2021

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 ahead.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2021

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

The challenge is how to expand consumer adoption and speed up the transition to electric cars and efficient electric heating systems, writes a commissioner with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

By Abigail Anthony • Oct. 21, 2021

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to meet cities' pressing needs. Let's get it done.

Passing the Biden infrastructure bill will have ripple effects across the U.S., writes Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, driving investments in areas including electric vehicles, energy efficiency and recycling infrastructure. 

By Kate Gallego • Oct. 18, 2021

Time for utility companies to step up by supporting the Clean Electricity Performance Program

Achieving more clean energy is feasible, affordable and would benefit our economy and public health without compromising power system reliability, writes Ceres' senior program director of climate and energy.

By Dan Bakal • Oct. 15, 2021

Denver creates new role to advance building decarbonization incentives

As buildings and homes account for 64% of the city's GHG emissions, the city 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. 28, 2021

Portland, Maine, to bulk-purchase clean energy equipment in electrification push

The “Electrify Everything” campaign focuses on voluntary measures. “If someone wants to decarbonize 100%, that’s great. But we know most people want help just taking the first step," said the city's sustainability coordinator.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 23, 2021

New technology necessary to meet utility decarbonization goals, experts warn

Legislation before Congress could provide a crucial boost to various clean energy and other technologies needed to get the electric grid over the last hump, according to panelists at the National Clean Energy Week conference.

By Scott Van Voorhis • Sept. 22, 2021

City leaders should expand their purview of electric transportation beyond cars, experts urge

Bringing electrification to underserved communities will require access, collaboration and outreach, and an emphasis on electrifying school buses, public transit, ride-share and more, panelists at an ICF webinar said Tuesday.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 16, 2021

Connecticut falls behind state's GHG goals: 'We told you so,' says Acadia Center

Despite the rise in emissions, the electric sector "shows encouraging results," the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said. Proposed new gas projects are a step in the wrong direction, though, advocates warn.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2021

Utility shutoff moratoriums protected many consumers earlier in the pandemic. What happens now?

Cities and states are looking at how to help residents likely to lose power once utility shutoff moratoriums end. 

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 8, 2021

Los Angeles approves 100% clean energy by 2035, moving original target up by a decade

The LA100 plan would see the city replace its natural gas electricity generation with wind, solar and battery storage, while also improving energy efficiency and transmission.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 2, 2021

Residential electric panels are a nearly $100B 'roadblock' to full electrification, report finds

Up to 48 million U.S. homes may require electric panel upgrades to charge electric vehicles or switch away from appliances now running on natural gas or other fossil fuels, according to research from Pecan Street.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2021

Tesla made electric trucks 'cool.' Now fleets face financial hurdles.

Total cost of ownership for electric trucks is more attractive than diesel, a Navistar executive said at ACT Expo. But issues around charging are significant.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 31, 2021

WRI lays out options for large energy users to decarbonize beyond renewables procurement

The study highlights Des Moines, Iowa, the first U.S. city to commit to a 24/7 carbon free electricity target by 2035, as an example for innovation.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 24, 2021

Solar could be 40% of US generation by 2035 but requires more investment, White House finds

Solar industry groups greeted the recent Biden administration report on the potential growth of the solar industry with enthusiasm, saying they hope tax reforms to improve incentives are in the works.

By Emma Penrod • Aug. 23, 2021

Arizona 2050 clean energy mandate could increase utility bills nearly $60/month, study finds

A state mandate to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050 could increase utility bills, but clean energy advocates warn the projection should be taken "with a grain of salt," as new technologies could help lower costs.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2021