Governor of California Edmund Brown Jr has signed an executive order to increase the supply of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), as well as developing charging and refuelling stations in the US state.

The $2.5bn initiative is aimed at reducing carbon emissions from transportation and sets a new target to introduce five million ZEVs in California by 2030.

It also includes the introduction of 250,000 vehicle charging stations and 200 hydrogen fuelling stations in California by 2025.

Brown said: “This executive order aims to curb carbon pollution from cars and trucks and boost the number of zero-emission vehicles driven in California.

“This executive order aims to curb carbon pollution from cars and trucks and boost the number of zero-emission vehicles driven in California.”

“In addition, the cap-and-trade investments will, in varying degrees, reduce California’s carbon footprint and improve the quality of life for all.”

California has been taking various measures to reduce carbon emissions from different vehicles that amount to nearly 50% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of smog-forming pollutants.

The administration has also proposed a new eight-year initiative to continue providing rebates to the state’s clean vehicles and encourage infrastructure investments.

California has previously taken multiple measures in a bid to increase ZEV usage including new legislation, as well as the adoption of 2016 Zero-Emission Vehicle Plan and the Advanced Clean Cars programme.

Brown has also detailed a new $1.25bn investment plan in cap-and-trade auction proceeds to decrease carbon pollution and improve the environment and public health.