ZETA: The First Step Toward the Electric Standard

The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) is a first-of-its-kind coalition committed to 100% electric vehicle (EV) sales in the US by 2030. ZETA comprises 28 businesses, such as Uber and Tesla to name a few, and the non-partisan group is focused on public education efforts and federal policy development, to promote EV adoption on a global scale, as well as the US. 

The unique industry coalition calls for an accelerated transition to EVs in the US, in the hopes of not only reducing carbon pollution but creating thousands of new jobs in the process, putting the US at the forefront of EV manufacturing. 

Joe Britton, Executive Director of ZETA, noted the crucial importance behind ZETA’s existence: "The next decade will be critical in implementing federal policies that accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and help address these problems head-on. The clean vehicle sector already boasts hundreds of thousands of jobs but, if we encourage its growth, the United States can decisively win the global race to develop a new clean transportation economy and employ hundreds of thousands of Americans right here at home."

A New Age of EVs 

ZETA notes five key policy pillars that can help the US become an electrical powerhouse: 

1. Outcome-driven consumer EV incentives. Point-of-sale consumer incentives drive adoption, provide cost reductions and achieve real results in pushing transportation electrification. In addition, incentivizing early retirements while encouraging EV adoption will speed the transition and meet the urgency of the moment.

2. Emissions/performance standards enabling full electrification by 2030. Emission targets are a key piece of protecting public health and sending the correct market signals to support and accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation.

3. Infrastructure investments. Strong federal charging infrastructure investments will drive the electric transportation transition and ensure that the United States is leading the way in a clean recovery where everyone is better off.

4. Domestic manufacturing. We should not only accelerate US transportation electrification but also work to ensure that we secure domestic economic growth and leadership in EV manufacturing. Federal policies must encourage job creation and economic activity across the entire EV supply chain and lifecycle, from critical materials to vehicles.

5. Federal leadership and cooperation with sub-national entities. Federal support should invest in research and development, provide an aligned vision for electrification, and ensure local leaders are empowered with the expertise and resources to support full vehicle electrification.

"For the first time in a generation, transportation is the leading emitter of US carbon emissions. By embracing EVs, federal policymakers can help drive innovation, create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and improve air quality and public health. ZETA's formation recognizes a pivotal moment for national leadership and reflects the will of the growing clean transportation sector."