STOCKTON /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday joined officials from Electric Vehicles International (EVI) to announce the opening of their new worldwide headquarters and primary U.S. manufacturing facility in Stockton, a move that will further California’s nation-leading environmental goals and create 150 direct green jobs estimated by the company. EVI will design and assemble zero-emissions, all-electric, medium-duty delivery vehicles and light-duty vehicles using EVI electric motors and controllers manufactured at the facility in Stockton.
“In California, we are creating a new economic foundation for the 21st Century built on clean fuel, clean energy and clean cars that is turning us into the green capital of the nation and the world,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “EVI could have relocated anywhere in the world but they chose to come here to California because we have created the right environment for clean-tech and green-techcompanies. I look forward to continuing to welcome these kinds of smart, groundbreaking businesses that are not only helping us meet our aggressive environmental goals but are spurring our economy and creating jobs when we need them the most.”
EVI is a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles for multiple applications, covering a diverse range of transportation options. Its portfolio includes delivery light trucks for high-traffic urban routes, ergonomically designed electric tourist vehicles and custom-designed vehicles for private facilities, ports and airports. EVI estimates the move will create 150 direct green jobs in California by mid 2010 and a total of 450 jobs including local vendors and other indirect employment. The company was formerly headquartered in Toluca, Mexico.
“California is the perfect location for electric vehicle manufacturing,” said EVI-USA Chief Executive Officer Ricky Hanna. “As the world’s leading location for adopting green technology and promoting sustainable transportation, California is where our customers are and where we need to be. Stockton is centrally-located to serve all our key markets and has exceptional infrastructure and an excellent labor force.”
The Governor has long been a strong supporter of clean energy that will create jobs, influence national policies and create a cleaner environment for future generations. Some of the Governor’s most ambitious actions include:
•Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32): AB 32 established a first-in-the-world comprehensive program of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve real, quantifiable, cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. The law will reduce carbon emissions in California to 1990 levels by 2020.
•Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS): California’s LCFS requires fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels sold in the state, dramatically expanding the market for alternative fuels. To start, the LCFS will reduce carbon content in all passenger vehicle fuels sold in California by at least 10 percent by 2020 and more thereafter.
•Sales Tax Exemption for Zero Emission Vehicle Equipment: Last year, the Governor and Treasurer Bill Lockyer created a program to exempt manufacturing equipment for zero emission vehicle manufacturers from sales tax. This exemption is administered through the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority.
•Alternative and Renewable Fuels Vehicle Technology Program: In 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 118 by Former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunezwhich established the Alternative and Renewable Fuels Vehicle Technology Program to fund the Research and Development of new technologies.
•Automobile Emissions Standards: After years of fighting the federal government for the authority to implement our greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted California’s waiver and the Obama Administration adopted it for the country.
•Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): Governor Schwarzenegger signed an Executive Order directing CARB to adopt regulations increasing California’s RPS to 33 percent by 2020.
•Million Solar Roofs Initiative: The Governor’s $2.9 billion incentive plan for home and building owners who install solar electric systems, now known as the California Solar Initiative, will lead to one million solar roofs in California by the year 2018, provide 3,000 megawatts of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3 million tons.
