The Shared Micromobility Investment Act allows shared micromobility projects, such as bikesharing and shared-scooter systems, to receive funding from specific federal surface transportation programs. It achieves this by amending existing laws to explicitly include these projects in the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, the Carbon Reduction Program, and the Local and Regional Project Assistance program. By adding these categories to the list of eligible uses, the bill enables local governments and transit agencies to use federal money to support shared bike and scooter infrastructure.
The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.
The Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to consolidate its vehicle technology programs and fund research aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions across all vehicle types. This legislation authorizes over $1.7 billion in appropriations from 2027 to 2031 to support domestic development of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas systems, and improved manufacturing processes. The bill mandates that these activities be conducted through partnerships with private industry, universities, and state governments, while requiring annual reports to Congress on progress and commercial adoption. Additionally, the act establishes specific programs to test heavy-duty truck technologies, explore secondary uses for vehicle batteries, and update existing federal authorities related to energy efficiency.
This bill directs the Department of Energy to expand research and development efforts focused on creating cleaner, more efficient, and domestically produced vehicle technologies. It establishes multiple new programs to investigate advanced materials, battery systems, electric drivetrains, and alternative fuels like hydrogen and synthetic fuels, with a specific emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and manufacturing costs. The legislation also mandates the creation of an advisory committee to oversee these initiatives, requires regular reporting on progress, and authorizes funding to establish educational centers for training future engineers in automotive technology.
The Shared Autonomous Mobility Act of 2026 establishes a new federal grant program to help transit agencies and private partners deploy buses equipped with advanced automated driving systems. This legislation defines these vehicles as those with Level 3, 4, or 5 automation capabilities and authorizes $100 million in funding over two years, with a requirement that at least 15% of the money supports projects in rural areas. The bill also mandates the creation of dedicated testing facilities specifically for these autonomous buses and allows various federal transportation grants to be used for purchasing the necessary software and system updates. Additionally, it updates existing definitions to ensure that funding can cover the acquisition and licensing of automated driving software alongside traditional vehicle equipment.
The EV Charging Accessibility Act directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to finalize a proposed rule ensuring electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to people with disabilities. This rule establishes minimum standards and guidelines for station design, which the Departments of Transportation and Justice must then adopt into federal regulations within 180 days. If the Board fails to complete the rule by the deadline, the proposed guidelines automatically become final without further action. The law primarily affects the government agencies responsible for setting and enforcing accessibility standards for public charging infrastructure.
The CHARGE Act prohibits the sale, import, or distribution of electric vehicles and related equipment manufactured by foreign entities of concern, specifically targeting Chinese companies. To enforce this, the bill adds new definitions to U.S. law that classify vehicles using specific Chinese-made power control components as noncompliant. The legislation aims to protect the national electrical grid from potential disruptions caused by unregulated remote software updates and coordinated attacks from adversarial manufacturers. By restricting these imports, the bill seeks to prevent vulnerabilities that could lead to power outages or damage to connected devices.
The Responder and Recovery Safety in EV Fires Act establishes an Electric Vehicle Fire Response Working Group under the Secretary of Transportation. This group, composed of emergency responders, towing professionals, automotive manufacturers, and federal agencies, will continuously review risks and best practices related to electric vehicle (EV) fires. Its key functions include issuing updated guidance for responding to EV fires and reporting roadside EV fire incidents to a national database. These efforts aim to enhance safety and improve response protocols for EV fire incidents, directly affecting those involved in roadside emergency response and recovery.
This bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to create a working group focused on improving how emergency responders handle fires involving electric vehicles. The group would include representatives from the towing industry, emergency services, automotive manufacturers, research organizations, and federal agencies to review current risks and response methods. Its main task is to develop and update guidance and best practices for safely managing electric vehicle fires, while also tracking incidents in a national database. The working group must submit annual reports to Congress and the public, and it would operate for ten years before ending.
This bill creates a business tax credit for companies that purchase zero-emission electric lawn, garden, and landscaping equipment. The credit equals 40 percent of the equipment's cost, with annual limits of $25,000 and a ten-year aggregate cap of $100,000 per business. Eligible equipment includes electric-powered mowers, trimmers, and other landscaping tools powered by solar, batteries, fuel cells, or grid electricity, as well as batteries and generators used to power them. The credit applies to equipment placed in service after December 31, 2024, and expires five years after the bill is enacted.
