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City councils

Boston Accelerates Transition to Electric Vehicles with New Infrastructure and Policy

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced several steps to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other low-emission transportation options, reinforcing the city's commitment to a Green New Deal. The measures, unveiled at a city council hearing, aim to reduce vehicle emissions and create a more sustainable transportation network.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Boston will implement a new Fleet Utilization Policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its vehicle fleet, with a focus on shared vehicles and electric or clean vehicle technologies.
  • The city will expand access to EV charging infrastructure, with 78 new publicly accessible EV charging plugs to be installed in municipal lots by 2022.
  • The city has launched a community-based EV car share service in Roxbury, Good2Go, which provides affordable and convenient transportation options for low-income residents.
  • The City of Boston maintains 1,200 vehicles in its fleet, excluding school buses and public safety vehicles, and the new policy aims to reduce unnecessary vehicle purchases and increase shared vehicle use.
  • Right-sizing the municipal fleet and transitioning to electric or other clean vehicle technologies can mitigate approximately one quarter of greenhouse gas emissions from Boston's municipal operations.
  • The city's transportation plan, Go Boston 2030, aims to create accessible and sustainable transportation options for all Boston residents, and the EV transition is a critical component of achieving carbon neutrality goals.

Statistics:

  • 78 new publicly accessible EV charging plugs will be installed in municipal lots by 2022.
  • 1,200 vehicles are maintained in the City of Boston's fleet.
  • Approximately one quarter of greenhouse gas emissions from Boston's municipal operations can be mitigated by right-sizing the municipal fleet and transitioning to electric or other clean vehicle technologies.
  • 50 additional EV charging plugs will be installed in 2022, adding to the 28 installed in Nubian Square, Mattapan Square, Uphams Corner, and South Boston.
  • Good2Go, the community-based EV car share service, provides transportation options for area residents at a cost of as little as $5 per hour.

Sources:

  • "Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Announces Steps to Accelerate Transition to Electric Vehicles" ( exact wording from the original text )
  • December 10 hearing of the City Council Committee on Environment, Resiliency and Parks on Docket #1044, sponsored by Councilors Matt OMalley and Ed Flynn
  • Mayor Michelle Wu quote: "We need urgent action to drive down vehicle emissions and protect the health of our communities."
  • Councilor Ed Flynn quote: "With federal investments in electric vehicle charging stations, proposed legislation on increasing tax credits for purchasing EVs, and our automakers shifting their focus to electric vehicles - it is critical for us to ensure that the City of Boston has the infrastructure in place to meet future demand."

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