California’s zero-emission vehicle adoption brings air quality benefits yet equity gaps persist

Abstract

Zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption is a key climate mitigation tool, but its environmental justice implications remain unclear. Here, we quantify ZEV adoption at the census tract level in California from 2015 to 2020 and project it to 2035 when all new passenger vehicles sold are expected to be ZEVs. We then apply an integrated traffic model together with a dispersion model to simulate air quality changes near roads in the Greater Los Angeles. We found that per capita ZEV ownership in non-disadvantaged communities (non-DACs) as defined by the state of California is 3.8 times of that in DACs. Racial and ethnic minorities owned fewer ZEVs regardless of DAC designation. While DAC residents receive 40% more pollutant reduction than non-DACs due to intercommunity ZEV trips in 2020, they remain disproportionately exposed to higher levels of traffic-related air pollution. With more ZEVs in 2035, the exposure disparity narrows. However, to further reduce disparities, the focus must include trucks, emphasizing the need for targeted ZEV policies that address persistent pollution burdens among DAC and racial and ethnic minority residents.

Emerging environmental justice issues at the intersection of transportation and electricity systems

“…Conversely, areas that do not electrify until later will continue to bear the air pollution burden of transportation for longer, and will see higher cumulative health damages. In addition to adoption patterns, driving patterns also play an important role, given that people may travel through communities that differ from those they live in [38]. Policy approaches to address equity and environmental justice in the transport sector will need to consider both vehicle and power generation evolution.…”