Lower-income households often lack the resources to buy electric cars, signaling a need for a more holistic approach to improving mobility and lowering transportation costs.
A new report from the Transportation Energy Institute suggests that an equitable approach to transportation must include more than just a shift to electric cars. “The report also notes that lower-income communities often face multiple transportation-related environmental issues, such as proximity to highways and industrial pollution.”
As Dan Zukowski explains in Smart Cities Dive, “Access to electric vehicle charging equipment and the high cost of EVs limits low-income households’ ability to take advantage of these lower-emission vehicles, the paper says, and many depend on conventionally fueled vehicles.” Thus, lower-income communities need investment in public transit and other mobility options that can reduce their transportation costs and offer more sustainable options.
“Direct, meaningful engagement with such communities enables residents to have a say in the transportation policies and projects that could address their specific needs, [the report] says.” The report provides a set of questions that policymakers can use to better understand their communities’ needs and bridge gaps in access to transportation.
FULL STORY: Are EVs the best approach to transportation equity? Maybe not, TEI report says
Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Reducing Car Dependence
Encouraging Americans to drive less — and supporting cities where it’s possible to do so — could save the country trillions more than just electrifying the transportation sector.
Norway’s EV Boom Could Entrench Car Dependency
The Scandinavian country is a pioneer when it comes to EV adoption, but there are downsides.
Study: EV Adoption Isn't Enough. Car-Centric Culture Needs To Change.
The focus on electrifying personal vehicles misses the opportunity to transform urban transportation systems, reduce congestion, and make cities more affordable.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
Downtown Los Angeles on the Rise: A Promising 2025
Fueled by new developments, cultural investments, and a growing dining scene, downtown Los Angeles is poised for significant growth in 2025, despite challenges from recent wildfires and economic uncertainties.
San Francisco Slow Streets Bucks Citywide Trend, Reducing Injuries by 61 Percent
Low-cost interventions aimed at slowing traffic are making a major impact on road safety.
How Single-Family Conversions Benefit Both Homeowners and Cities
Converting single-family homes to triplexes can ease the housing crisis and offer affordable, flexible options for more households. Why is it largely illegal?
Report: Transportation Equity Requires More Than Electrification
Lower-income households often lack the resources to buy electric cars, signaling a need for a more holistic approach to improving mobility and lowering transportation costs.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research