cluding the Infrastructure Bill, which allocated $7.5 billion toward EV charging infrastructure at a federal and local level. 2022 will be about following through on these commitments. To do this, we need to prioritize the buildout of charging infrastructure along corridors and across communities, which will be dependent on collaboration with utility companies. We’re already seeing this in action at the local level with efforts like NYC’s Electrifying New York plan, which brings together the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Con Edison and National Grid to ensure the city is properly prepared for EV investments. We’ve also witnessed the emergence of regional and nationwide collaborations like the National Electric Highway Coalition, which represents more than 50 power companies aiming to increase EV accessibility. In 2022, utilities will have a constant seat at the table and will provide governments and key stakeholders with valuable grid insights to ensure that efficient and equitable EV adoption is possible as federal fund-
ing makes its way into communities across the country. Katta’s Prediction: Startups Make EVs Even Cleaner Let’s face it: an EV is only as clean as the grid that powers it. New companies and technology will help us optimize when and how we draw the energy that powers our vehicles. Software can’t eliminate the environmental footprint of transportation by itself, but it can make it easier to charge EVs with clean energy. Keep an eye on businesses like Rolling Energy Resources, which is already breaking ground on making this possible. Noblet’s Prediction: Electric Fleets Visibly Shift to be the Rule Rather Than the Exception In 2022, we’ll see more interest from businesses in adopting electric fleets. Fleet electrification makes economic sense—it can save them up to 40% on maintenance costs and up to 50% on fuel costs. Even with a higher upfront cost for vehicles and infrastructure, businesses will quickly realize the long-term benefits of turning their fleets electric.
Beyond cost savings, business leaders are also adopting more sustainable practices to support climate resilience efforts, which will be reinforced through fleet electrification. Fleet electrification is important for reducing emissions in the sector due to the scale of impact and the greater number of miles traveled by fleet vehicles, which can significantly improve air quality in disadvantaged communities. Now that more vehicle makes and models are available, fleets of all sizes and types will embrace electrification and start to convert their vehicles to EVs. Predicting the Future is Not Easy While these are very smart people and some of their predictions seem like sure things, nothing is guaranteed, and this is not an exhaustive list.
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MASSACHUSETTS
SEMA Launches Online Library SEMA launched a new online education library to provide the automotive aftermarket with easy and affordable year-round access to experts and leaders. From technical details about advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and legislative and advocacy updates, to best practices and tips on common business skills and behind-the-scenes conversations with industry leaders, celebrities and icons, the new SEMA Virtual Education website at www.sema.org/education includes a comprehensive collection of educational webinars and resources targeted to the automotive aftermarket. Employees of SEMA member companies will have the distinct advantage of being able to access most education at no cost or at a discount, but all sessions are available to anyone in the industry—regardless of SEMA membership status. Visit www.sema.org/education. Source: SEMA
NEW JERSEY
Cityside Subaru Belmont (617) 826-5013 (617) 489-0733 Fax
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