Autonomous and Electric Vehicles

Autonomous and electric vehicles are cars and trucks that drive themselves, in whole or in part, or that run on electric power. Government affects them through safety standards, testing rules, tax incentives, charging networks, and emissions policy. Federal agencies, states, and cities each hold a part of the authority.

People usually ask who regulates self-driving technology, how safety is tested, and what incentives exist for electric vehicles. They also ask how charging stations get built, how sales respond to changes in public policy, how liability is handled in a crash, and how governments balance encouraging innovation with protecting the public on the road.