California Energy Commission Investing in Projects that Expand Access to Zero-Emission Vehicles
- CEC Media Office
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Media Office Staff
Transitioning California’s transportation sector to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) isn’t an easy task. California state agencies and local governments are working to ensure the transition benefits Californians who need it most.
The City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) are doing just that. They recently expanded the Our Community CarShare Program (OCCS) to five new locations in Sacramento. The program offers eligible participants driving credits to help make EV access more attainable.
“This effort is a practical and immediate way to make zero-emission vehicles more accessible to more people in more neighborhoods in Sacramento,” said Rachel Patten, the City of Sacramento’s climate action lead, at a November 12 event at Belle Cooledge Library.
Targeted at underserved communities in Sacramento, participants will receive $100 in Zipcar driving credits, which is equal to about 25 hours of free EV driving. This initiative is part of Sacramento’s EV Blueprint Implementation Project, which focuses on affordable, climate-friendly transportation options, especially for those who can’t afford a vehicle.
The Sacramento locations that qualify for the incentive are:
Mangan Park
Belle Cooledge Library
Valley Hi – North Laguna Library
South Natomas Library
Pannell Community Center
The project comes with 66 new Level 2 EV chargers, partially funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC), strategically located at 13 city libraries and community centers. Locations like these are ideal for public EV charging, as they’re centrally located and cater to all populations.
“More than half of Sacramento’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, and while we’re always encouraging folks to walk, bike, and take transit, oftentimes driving a car is a necessity,” said Patten. “Whenever possible, we want to make sure that driving is as clean and sustainable as possible.”
In addition to the car share program, Sacramento launched an e-bike lending pilot program through the Sacramento Public Library, providing even more zero-emission options for citizens.
“This project makes it possible to drive electric without owning an electric vehicle,” said Patten. “The incentives we’re offering today mean that making the best choice for the environment is also the best choice for your wallet.”
EV infrastructure must be installed where people are. The CEC’s Clean Transportation Program requires at least 50 percent of funds to go toward projects that benefit or serve low-income Californians and residents of low-income and disadvantaged communities. As of June 2025, more than 61 percent of Clean Transportation Program and supplemental funds have been invested in projects in disadvantaged or low-income communities or both.
Creative projects like these broaden access to ZEVs and keep the air cleaner for all.