Mary Barra

Opinion contributor

A century ago, the automobile gave people freedom, changing their lives forever. With this freedom, however, came effects such as crashes, environmental impact and congestion. Now, through innovative technology, we have a historic opportunity to make personal mobility safer, better and more sustainable.

The United States can lead this transformation, particularly in electric and self-driving vehicles, but it requires collaboration by the private and public sectors, supported by comprehensive federal policies.

A year ago, General Motors shared our commitment to an all-electric future — part of our vision to create a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion.

Today, we are calling for a National Zero Emission Vehicle (NZEV) program to create a comprehensive approach to help move our country faster to an all-electric, zero emissions future. The most effective, efficient way to get there is with a thoughtful, thorough and consistent National ZEV program based on the existing ZEV framework, supported by complementary policies.

Let's conserve energy and reduce emissions

A single, 50-state solution will help move the U.S. to a leadership position in electrification. It will create jobs through the expansion of battery and electric vehicle research and development and production, improve the environment and make electric vehicles more affordable.

Our proposed NZEV program will conserve energy and reduce emissions, while encouraging American innovation and preserving our industrial strength.

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We estimate this program has the potential to place more than 7 million long-range EVs on the road by 2030, while yielding a cumulative incremental reduction of 375 million tons of CO2 emissions between 2021 and 2030. We have submitted this proposal to the administration for consideration.

Our industry has made great strides in increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions, and this will continue. As the U.S. works toward modernizing fuel economy standards, we call for expanded focus on advanced technologies with maximum potential to transform transportation and our economy. This includes the use of electric vehicles as autonomous vehicles, as well as in ride-sharing programs.

We need government and industry cooperation

To help encourage widespread acceptance of electric vehicles in this country, we propose these complementary initiatives:

► Infrastructure investments to accelerate accessible, convenient electric charging.

► Renewing and enhancing federal incentives for U.S. consumers to buy electric vehicles. As electrification reaches its tipping point, allowing these effective incentives to expire, as currently scheduled, will stifle growth.

► Regulatory incentives to support U.S. battery suppliers, who can spark domestic job growth with advanced battery development and production.

The stakes are high, and time is short. As U.S. companies like General Motors develop and deploy these technologies, governments and industries in Asia and Europe are working together to enact policies now to accelerate the shift to an all-electric future. We need further government and industry cooperation here in the U.S.

It’s simple: America has the opportunity to lead. Now is the time.

Mary Barra is the CEO of General Motors. Follow her on Twitter: @mtbarra