As the federal government completes its eradication of every law or program encouraging transport electrification (including decades-old emissions regulations), California has stepped into the gap with a spate of pro-EV policies.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a package of legislation that aims to accelerate California’s EV transition on several fronts.

SB 969 is designed to streamline the installation of public chargers. This law modernizes the inspection process, allowing manufacturer-tested chargers to get online faster.

SB 1283 cuts red tape for charging projects. EV charger installations often require related work such as trenching, electrical upgrades, solar canopies or battery storage. This law clarifies that California’s streamlined permitting rules for charger installations also apply to such related work.

AB 1820 reduces permitting barriers and fees for charging projects at apartments and mixed-use developments.

SB 1213 improves transparency in state incentives for zero-emission trucks . Unlike passenger automakers, truck manufacturers often do not publicly disclose their prices. This enables them to charge higher prices to smaller fleets, and potentially to capture state subsidy money as additional profit instead of passing on savings to buyers. The new law requires OEMs to make prices public as a condition of qualifying for state subsidies.

SB 1267 is designed to clarify liability issues for EV chargers, removing an incentive for homeowner associations to block EV charging infrastructure projects.

SB 615 aims to provide consumers with clearer EV battery information when comparing vehicle options.

The MyFirstEV program provides purchase incentives for first-time EV buyers. Eligible Californians can receive an instant rebate of up to $3,500 toward a qualifying new EV, or up to $1,750 toward a qualifying used vehicle.

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