Electric cars are revving up in Minnesota

Electric cars are still rare in Minnesota — representing less than one percent of all cars sold each year. But we’ll be seeing a lot more of them soon.

Gov. Tim Walz signed new Minnesota rules that will force manufacturers to increase the number of electric cars for sale in the state by 2024. And, President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that calls for half of all passenger vehicles sold in 2030 to have zero emissions.  

The government push for electric vehicles is designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions that trap heat and contribute to global warming. 

MPR guest host Mike Mulcahy talks about what this means for consumers.  Have newer models of electric cars dropped in price and increased their range? Can Minnesota create enough charging stations and infrastructure to support an expansion in electric vehicles? 

Guests:

• Rolf Nordstrom is president and CEO of the Great Plains Institute

• Lisa Thurstin is the coordinator for the Minnesota Clean Cities coalition, which is based out of the American Lung Association

• Scott Lambert is president of the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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