In preparation for some good green living and the growth of battery electric cars and plug-in hybrids over the next few years, cities around the country are taking steps to accommodate the new vehicles.
Ford Motor Company is gearing up to launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year and they plan to engage the commercial vehicle market with the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid van in 2012. And Ford has also examined every major urban market in North America and identified the cities doing the most to prepare for an electric vehicle infrastructure. Not surprisingly, Portland and Seattle are high on the list.
“As more and more electric vehicles come to market, it’s incredibly important cities develop action plans including infrastructure development and permitting solutions to ensure these vehicles are a viable solution for citizens,” says Mike Tinskey, manager of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. “The cities on our list are working with multiple partners including local utilities, auto manufacturers, technology companies and others to support a successful integration of electric vehicles.”
The criteria used to evaluate preparations includes advisory committee and utility partnerships, complementing state and regional activities, streamlined the charging station permitting processes, utility rate structures that support nighttime charging, and regional/local incentives such as high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, preferred parking and tax incentives.
Source: Ford Motor Company and Leifs Collision Centers
