Electric vehicles near ‘tipping point’ in 2023

Key developments for EV adoption this year include implementing federal incentives, developing a national charging network and addressing utility issues, according to transportation, energy and real estate professionals.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2023

Nearly all US mayors worry about climate change’s local effects: report

Mayors said their regulatory powers, especially building codes and zoning, are their most effective tools to address climate change. But they are reluctant to limit residents’ behavior or the use of old technology.

By Michael Brady • Jan. 19, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Smart Cities Dive 2023 Outlook

In the year ahead, city leaders will continue to face economic headwinds while tackling the housing shortage, rethinking land use, dealing with changes in travel behavior and implementing federal spending programs to electrify and decarbonize cars, buses and buildings.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Electric vehicle sales soared in 2022, followed by more charging stations

Most public chargers are found in suburban locations while multifamily dwellings lag far behind in charging infrastructure. 

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 17, 2023

4 trends that could shape smart cities in 2023

These overarching trends affect the decisions communities are making around transportation design, street space, housing and revitalizing downtowns that have struggled with fewer office workers.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • Jan. 13, 2023

DOT, DOE secretaries tout agency cooperation under decarbonization blueprint

DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm laid out the impact of new federal dollars and policies in the shift to EVs, while another federal official urged caution.

By Danielle McLean • Jan. 12, 2023

Michigan chief mobility officer: ‘States need to write the playbook’ on EV charging

States could ease the EV charging rollout by helping local governments update regulations and institute best practices, panelists said at CES.

By Michael Brady • Jan. 10, 2023

Federal agencies share ‘blueprint’ for transportation decarbonization

Energy, environment, housing and transportation regulators teamed up on strategies to realize a 100% clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with nods to micromobility, zoning reform and more.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 10, 2023

Revel to expand EV fast chargers across NYC

After building a “superhub” in Brooklyn, the electric mobility company is planning more across other boroughs, a move it hopes will greatly expand the city’s capacity for accessible fast charging.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 9, 2023

New York City replacing hundreds of fleet vehicles with EVs

The city will purchase the zero-emission vehicles through a $10.1 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, adding to the more than 4,000 EVs already in the municipal fleet

By Danielle McLean • Jan. 9, 2023

Updating local regulations may ease EV charging rollout

Improved regulations make it easier for developers to “know what they’re getting into,” said one transportation planner.

By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 4, 2023

10 conversations in 2022 on the future of mobility, high-speed rail, resilience and more

Smart Cities Dive caught up with executives from businesses including GM and Replica; officials from Austin, Oakland and other cities; and leaders from the U.S. Congress and Ukraine.

Jan. 3, 2023

As e-bike fires rise, calls grow for education and regulation

Some point to cheap aftermarket batteries as the primary factor in e-bike and e-scooter battery fires and worry that micromobility device storage bans will set back transportation decarbonization efforts.

By Dan Rosenbaum • Dec. 22, 2022

Postal Service to acquire 66,000 EVs by 2028

The electric delivery vehicles will start hitting the streets by the end of 2023, the U.S. Postal Service stated. The announcement followed criticism that the agency wasn’t transitioning enough of its fleet.

By Michael Brady • Dec. 21, 2022

New York state climate panel outlines ambitious road map to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The plan is a “bold, monumental achievement,” New York’s environmental commissioner said, but the head of an independent power producer industry group said it fails to adequately address grid reliability.

By Stephen Singer • Dec. 20, 2022

Seize the moment for climate action, mayors group says

“The federal government is making unprecedented investments in climate action,” and implementation in 2023 and beyond will be critical, said ​​​​​​Madison, Wisconsin’s mayor, the incoming chair of Climate Mayors.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 15, 2022

US reaches 140k public EV charging ports as key federal official says $90B infrastructure investment needed

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation is preparing to finalize rules setting out minimum standards for a nationally-funded electric vehicle charging network.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 15, 2022

Demand soars for EV charging at apartments

Infrastructure options and cost incentives have become more complex as the electric vehicle revolution gears up.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Dec. 13, 2022

Lyft offers its ride-sharing drivers incentives to switch to EVs

The program is the latest in a series of moves Lyft has taken to fulfill its pledge to transition entirely to electric vehicles by 2030.

By Michael Brady • Dec. 12, 2022

Los Angeles and San Diego ban polystyrene foam, other plastic products, on same day

The policies fit into broader state and local laws limiting plastic products, completing an effort in San Diego that a lawsuit previously blocked. Los Angeles will also look to limit waste at city facilities and events.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 8, 2022

The states with the biggest influx of new renters

Millions of people are eager to move. Here’s where they’re headed, according to a new analysis.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 7, 2022

How smart cities are taking action on natural disaster resiliency

How to maximize funding to create resiliency and protect your residents from extreme weather.

Dec. 5, 2022

Smart cities in 2022 - what you need to know

Rail expansion, emerging technologies such as digital twins and air taxis and new approaches to transit and housing have driven the news this year. Catch up with highlights from Smart Cities Dive.

By Danielle McLean • Dec. 2, 2022

DC-area county spurs electrification of future buildings

Montgomery County, Maryland, is taking aim at its largest source of emissions. Its policy is the latest advancement for building decarbonization on the East Coast.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 1, 2022

9 startups to join AWS’ Sustainable Cities Accelerator for Infrastructure

Each accelerator participant aims to address infrastructure-related sustainability challenges by offering products and services targeting power, utility, transportation and other systems.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 30, 2022

Five US cities target building energy use, emissions with fines

New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Boston and St. Louis are poised to implement penalties to curb building-level greenhouse gas emissions or energy use.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Nov. 30, 2022