Transforming the global transportation system to consist of zero-emission vehicles is critical to reducing the impacts of climate change and improving local air quality. Policymakers in the U.S. have adopted various policy incentives to induce drivers to purchase advanced clean vehicles, aimed at reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These incentives take many forms including: rebates, income tax credits, sales tax exemptions, fee exemptions, and non-monetary incentives such as access to carpool lanes.

Research from the Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) has influenced the design and implementation of clean vehicle policies and programs. For example, the California Air Resources Board recently updated its clean vehicle rebate program to increase make electric vehicles more accessible to low- and moderate-income Californians. These policy changes were supported by research from LCI and collaborators.