Section 25618.

(a) The commission shall facilitate development and commercialization of ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicles and advanced battery technologies, as well as development of an infrastructure to support maintenance and fueling of those vehicles in California. Facilitating commercialization of ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicles in California shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) The commission may, in cooperation with county, regional, and city governments, the state's public and private utilities, and the private business sector, develop plans for accelerating the introduction and use of ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicles throughout California's air quality nonattainment areas, and for accelerating the development and implementation of the necessary infrastructure to support the planned use of those vehicles in California. These plans shall be consistent with, but not limited to, the criteria for similar efforts contained in federal loan, grant, or matching fund projects.

(2) In coordination with other state agencies, the commission shall seek to maximize the state's use of federal programs, loans, and matching funds available to states for ultra low- and zero-emission electric vehicle development and demonstration programs, and infrastructure development projects.

(b) Priority for implementing demonstration projects under this section shall be directed toward those areas of the state currently in a nonattainment status with federal and state air quality regulations.

(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 939, Sec. 3.)