EDTA Announces Green Mobility Initiatives

Source: EVWORLDWIRE
http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=24049 

Seeking to stimulate mass market adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in North America, the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) unveiled a detailed action plan as part of the green mobility commitments announced today at the Clinton Global Initiative’s (CGI) 2010 sixth annual meeting in New York City.

EDTA’s Plug-in Electric Vehicle Acceleration Initiative will provide a range of education and outreach programs to extend demand of these vehicles beyond first adopters to reach millions of potential car buyers. The initiative includes components, such as:

A new consumer-oriented website developed with input from more than 60 companies and organizations that will serve as a clearinghouse for concise and timely information on purchasing, owning and operating plug-in electric vehicles;

Inter-industry and inter-governmental collaborations to establish best practices, uniform standards, and incentives to accelerate market acceptance of all types of plug-in electric vehicles;

Development of educational materials about electric vehicles for state and local officials, first responders, fleet operators, building owners and managers and retailers;

Expanded participation by non-profits, grassroots organizations and the general public in EDTA annual conference, the EVS-2012 international conference and consumer education about electric vehicles conducted by automakers and utilities at North American auto shows.

“This initiative aims to speed the transition to electric drive and help us achieve the full environmental, economic and national security benefits of electrifying the transportation sector,” said EDTA President Brian Wynne. “Transportation accounts for one-third of the greenhouse gases produced in the U.S. Even with our existing electric grid, plug-in electric vehicles on average reduce emissions by one-third, with greater reductions achieved when vehicles are recharged from hydro-electric, nuclear or renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.”

As part of its commitment made at the CGI, EDTA will recruit foundations, companies and other organizations to support this initiative. EDTA also will be providing regular updates on the progress of achieving its commitment over the coming months and years.

With the mass-market launches later this year of the General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt, an extended range plug-in electric car, and the Nissan Leaf, an all-electric car, and plans by other auto manufacturers to introduce 15 different models of plug-in electric vehicles by 2012, consumers will have a wide selection of clean energy vehicle choices. Additionally, 20,000 vehicle charging stations are being installed across the nation as part of U.S. Reinvestment and Recovery Act.