EVs are accelerating across America, but they won’t reach their potential unless utilities can build sufficient charging infrastructure. A new Rocky Mountain Institute report lays out a suite of policies for regulators to help utilities move from gas to grid.

Many states are considering a utility regulatory structure that incentivizes efficient fleet turnover, incorporates clean energy and other cost-effective technologies, and stimulates smarter build-or-buy decisions. EI’s Sonia Aggarwal says the UK’s effort to combine utility operating and capital expenses into a capped revenue bucket shows promising early results.

EI CEO Hal Harvey says U.S. DOE Secretary Rick Perry’s proposal to subsidize coal and nuclear plants would wreck America’s power grid without creating any benefits.

EI analysts say the U.S. Department of Energy’s newly proposed cost recovery for fuel-secure generators would spike power costs and emissions with little upside for consumers.

Inaccurate solar energy forecasts severely underestimate growth, creating billions in risks for developers, governments, and utilities. But one simple data extrapolation method improves forecasts to predict much faster growth rate – and a “peak solar” installation point at 2028-2030.

Rumors of the “utility death spiral” abound, but they have been greatly exaggerated. Three major opportunities – new utility regulations and business models, electric vehicle growth, and grid modernization efforts – mean utilities can beat their death spiral prognosis.

In an editorial for China Daily, EI’s Chris Busch says California cap-and-trade offers lessons for China to help set up its national carbon market to generate sustainable growth.

New Energy Innovation research forecasts EVs will reach at least 65% and up to 75% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2050, and determines how battery prices, the cost of oil, and fuel economy standards will drive EV adoption in the U.S.

New Energy Policy Simulator research predicts EVs will reach 65% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2050, and could hit 75% by 2050 with high oil prices or battery cost declines. The forecast covers market share expansion, penetration levels along with effects of battery prices, oil prices, and government policy support.

EI CEO Hal Harvey suggests “Buy Clean” legislation could be California’s next opportunity to lead on climate change policy.