Hey everyone! My name is Yuzhou and I'm a LA-based journalist interested in energy, EV adoption, and California’s pollution policies. I’ll be sharing stories, insights, and interviews along the way. Feel free to comment or DM me if you have any insights or updates related to this topic, thank you!

This marks a critical moment. With incentives ending, EVs must now compete on cost, charging access, and performance. Will automakers step up with new deals, or will adoption stall just as the U.S. pushes for further growth in clean energy?

Link to CA DMV: www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-...

Claims that “EV subsidies were permanent” are false. Federal credits were set to phase out. In California, the DMV & ARB confirmed that the decal program was extended several times, but another extension required federal legislation. No action was taken, so it ends Sept 30, 2025.

Link to DOE AFDC: afdc.energy.gov/transatlas#/...

California leads the U.S. in EV adoption, with over 320 EVs per 10,000 people in 2023, according to the DOE AFDC. But with the decal program ending Sept. 30, EV drivers lose HOV lane access — once a key perk. Experts warn the change could slow EV adoption as CA pushes to cut emissions.

California DMV confirmed that the decals expired on Sept 30. EV drivers can no longer use HOV lanes solo. “It feels like a violation of a contract,” said Cynthia Neal, a CA driver.
More via ABC7: abc7.com/post/califor...

Meanwhile, Ford and GM launched programs that allowed dealers to capture the credit, then lease vehicles with the $7,500 savings already factored in. Ford’s runs through Dec 31, 2025. GM confirmed it worked with dealers on extended offers.
www.reuters.com/business/aut...

Automakers reacted fast. Tesla raised U.S. lease prices across its lineup: Model Y leases rose to $529–$599/month (from $479–$529), and Model 3 leases now $429–$759 (from $349–$699).
www.reuters.com/business/aut...

Link to Nora Eckert's socials: x.com/NoraEckert

A 2024 study by UC Berkeley/Duke/Stanford found that EV registrations could fall by 27% without the tax credit. In a Reuters article, automotive reporter Nora Eckert quotes Nissan Americas chair Christian Meunier: “The EV market is going to collapse in October.”
www.reuters.com/business/aut...

For years, these incentives boosted EV adoption. The federal tax credit lowered upfront costs, while CA decals allow solo EV and plug-in hybrid drivers to use carpool lanes & skip tolls. Now that both are gone, questions arise about whether EV sales will stall.

Big changes just hit the U.S. EV market: the federal EV tax credits ($7,500 new / $4,000 used) expired on Sept 30, 2025, and California’s Clean Air Vehicle decal program ended at the same time. Let’s break down what this means.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...

Claims that “EV subsidies were permanent” are false. Federal credits were set to phase out. In California, the DMV & ARB confirmed that the decal program was extended several times, but another extension required federal legislation. No action was taken, so it ends Sept 30, 2025.

I’ve decided to delete the previous thread and update it with a more organized version, so stay tuned.

A late-night fire and explosion at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery lit up the South Bay sky. Homes shook, flames were visible for miles. Chevron says no injuries; fire was contained by Friday morning. Full Story:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
#CSUNJ495

The Trump admin plans to open 13M acres for new coal mining and invest $625M in reviving coal power plants. Officials say it will strengthen energy reliability, but critics warn it risks reversing progress toward clean power.
More via AP: apnews.com/article/eebe...
#CSUNJ495

MKBHD canceled one of his 2017 Tesla Roadster reservations and will recover ~$45,000 (losing a $5,000 deposit).
If instead he had invested the full $50,000 into Tesla stock, that investment would be worth approximately $747,000 today.
#CSUNJ495

www.businessinsider.com/mkbhd-cancel...

Tesla increased lease prices after the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on Sept. 30, raising questions about affordability in the U.S. EV market.
More from Reuters:
www.reuters.com/business/aut...
#CSUNJ495

At the UN, Netanyahu said Israel will “finish the job” against Hamas, opposed Western recognition of a Palestinian state, and rejected genocide claims. His remarks prompted walkouts from several UN delegates.
#CSUNJ495

apnews.com/article/un-g...

California secures $1B/yr thru 2045 for high-speed rail. Electrified track work begins 2026, aiming to link NorCal & SoCal by 2039. Meanwhile, $4B in federal grants were rescinded, with $2.4B redirected to a new national rail program.
#CSUNJ495

apnews.com/article/rail...