The federal government has set aggressive, yet achievable goals for becoming a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 in order to tackle the challenges of the climate crisis. As the largest source of overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US, the transportation sector will play a vital role in reaching these targets.
I recently had the opportunity to connect with Michael Berube, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation in the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to discuss his role in the transportation industry and the steps his team is taking toward net-zero emissions. Below is a condensed version of our conversation, edited for length.
Row of electric vehicle charging stations
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Noblet: To start, could you tell me a bit about your work at DOE?
Berube: My team’s efforts have to be thought of in the broader context of what we at EERE and DOE, as a whole, are trying to do. We are squarely focused on uncovering what it will take to address the climate crisis through research, development, demonstration, and deployment – and we are prioritizing technology and solutions that help America transition to a net-zero economy in ways that are truly equitable.
These are not just words. We strongly believe in our goal to get to net-zero by 2050, and we know that this cannot be done if equity is not at the forefront of our plans. We want to accomplish these goals in a way that brings all Americans along, that serves all people’s needs, and that brings well-paying jobs. It’s not an either/or situation – we need all of those things to truly be successful.
The good news is we are confident we can do that. We’re at a point where technology is extremely advanced. With strong leadership from the federal government, meaningful cooperation at the state and local levels, and collaboration with key industry stakeholders, we can collectively get to the clean energy future we’re working toward. Despite the huge challenges brought on by the climate crisis, we are really optimistic about our ability to address the issues in front of us.
Noblet: How do electric vehicles (EVs) fit into your goals of decarbonizing the transportation sector?
Berube: EVs, both battery charged and hydrogen powered, are going to be a critical part of reaching these goals.
President Biden has set a target of 500,000 new, publicly accessible charging stations across the country to help accelerate this path to electrification. At DOE, including through the newly created DOE/DOT Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, we are working very aggressively to meet this overall goal.
Besides charging, battery technology is another aspect that DOE has worked on for over a decade. So far, we’ve reduced the cost of battery technology by over 80%, which will translate to reduced upfront vehicle cost. Combine that with additional cost savings from less maintenance and cheaper fuel. Today, a typical EV costs, on average, $600 less per year to operate and saves a customer more than $6,000 over the vehicle’s lifespan.
The future of transportation is electric. The automotive industry has said that, and DOE believes that as well. There’s a lot of work to do, but we can see a much clearer path toward these goals now.
Noblet: How can state and local governments build on new efforts at the federal level to accelerate EV adoption within their local communities?
Berube: We encourage state departments of transportation and state energy offices to coordinate just like the federal government is doing through the new Joint Office. Agencies need to look at their states’ specific challenges and plan for charging infrastructure build-out that accommodates these challenges.
At the federal level, we will work closely with states through the Joint Office to provide them with the tools and capabilities they need to ensure they’re developing the best plans for their state. We are also encouraging state leaders to think regionally and consider regional interconnection for people regularly traveling across state lines.
Noblet: What role will electrified fleets play in the future of clean transportation?
Berube: DOE works with a range of fleets, like commercial fleets handling deliveries to people’s homes, large fleets for beverage companies and food stores, and even heavier trucks moving goods to depots. Across the board, all of these companies have acknowledged the big opportunity electrification presents.
In my role, I also get the chance to talk with individual truck drivers, and I haven’t met a single one that hasn’t highlighted that electric trucks are a much better driving experience. These people drive for a living and they’re saying that EVs give them a more comfortable and quieter ride, and all the performance they need. We have a huge shortage of drivers in our country today, so if we can make the driving experience better for workers, lower GHG emissions at the same time, and get it to be more cost effective, it’s a win-win all around.
Noblet: What are you most excited about, as we look to the future of clean transportation in the US?
Berube: I’m excited because every day there is a new article or story about how the industry is evolving and growing. We’re seeing movement toward electrification and other GHG-reducing fuels and technologies in every single sector – planes, trains, on-road vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and more – and you really get the sense that everyone across the government and throughout the transportation industry are all going in the same direction quickly.
The time is now, as plans and infrastructure need to be built out years in advance, enabling us to meet our key goals for net-zero emissions in the transportation sector by 2050.
