Shopping for EVs and supporting Hewlett's Zero Emission Transportation Strategy

Three and a half years ago, I got my red Tesla Model 3, one of the first in Colorado, taking delivery even in a snowstorm because I was so eager. My two young sons were excited too. My youngest says he knows why people like to buy EVs - “because they are so fast!” I can, of course, go on and on about the benefits - for the climate, for health (for me, my kids, and across the world), because they are so fun to drive, since ‘refueling’ by plugging in is so easy, because once you go to a car with regenerative breaking you won’t go back (and you maintain speed down a hill instead of accelerating), your garage stays cleaner, and on and on. This weekend, on a vacation, I was renting a car and had to go to the gas station for the first time in so many years - I almost forgot how to fill up a gas tank.

Last week, I was excited to help my best friend from college figure out which EV to buy - and also got to test drive four fun cars. While there are different aspects to consider with each, including efficiencies, acceleration, design, and feel, and while there is a clear winner, it was interesting to see each one. Mostly, I am excited about the momentum of getting more options out there, and the increased awareness that accompanies it. I try to get each of my friends to say “My next car will be an EV” (versus ‘might be’).

But the world needs more than individual decisions to move as fast as we need to. To bring more attention to and decarbonize road transportation (including cars, buses, and trucks), Hovland Consulting supported the Hewlett Foundation to develop its strategy to get the world to zero-emission transportation. Our process included building off the freight-specific strategy (Zero Emission Road Freight Strategy 2020-2025, Hovland Consulting link, Hewlett link, and Hewlett strategy); expanding the focus on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (through interviews and surveys, report forthcoming); assessing health and air quality benefits (research, modeling); highlighting economics and jobs (research, modeling); and incorporating regional strategies, reviews, and input from other funders and partners.

Please see here for Hewlett’s global Zero Emission Transportation Strategy for 2021-2025 (overview), which describes why the world must (and can) electrify road transport now; the theory of change to achieve a) Ambitious electric vehicle regulatory policy; b) Ubiquitous, affordable charging; and c) Increased demand that complements strong regulations; and supporting work to i) Foster a strong ecosystem for a rapid transition; and Hewlett’s work to ii) Strengthen grantee capacity, including justice, equity, diversity, & inclusion; and iii) Support fundraising from partner philanthropies. The strategy details a global approach, as well as how it looks in the United States, Europe, China, and India. Other aspects cover funding needs and monitoring.