# What Makes an EV-Friendly Community?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/what-makes-an-ev-friendly-community/
- Published: 2020-05-11T21:58:54-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Community level adoption of emerging electric drive technology is critical. Critical
to spurring growth and adoption at the national level says the [Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA)](https://web.archive.org/web/20190808061822/https://electricdrive.org/).
A more [electrified transportation fleet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/evening-standard-reports-bt-unilever-ikea-and-dhl-among-company-vehicles-electric-by-2030/)
can be a vital solution. All to reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. As
well as creating a cleaner, healthier environment and boosting the U.S. economy.

So a number of U.S. communities are already demonstrating their commitment to that
solution. Therefore by becoming EV-friendly.

For they are including: Austin, Los Angeles, Normal, Ill., and Mercer Island, Wash.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/pexels-photo-
110844.jpg?resize=780%2C438&quality=52&ssl=1 "pexels-photo-110844 - The Green Living
Guy")

#### So some key examples of these local electric drive programs and policies include:

 * **Austin: **Austin Energy has created the first charging station network. All
   to be powered completely by renewable energy through Austin Energy’s GreenChoice
   © program. ** **
 * ** **Mercer Island is promoting the MI Green Ribbon Commission Carbon Challenge
 * **Los Angeles: **[Los Angeles Department of Water and Power](https://www.ladwp.com/site/maintenance.html)
 * **“**Knowing that electricity is even cheaper in [off-peak](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/off-peak-hours-and-how-you-can-use-these-to-your-advantage-in-business/)
   hours will inspire EV owners to charge during these times. Also it will decrease
   the stress placed on the power grid. This is offering efficient use of already
   available electric power that would otherwise be lost. This came from said Scott
   Briasco. He is manager of fleet environmental compliance and electric transportation
   for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

#### 󠀁[EDTA](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/09/edta-update/)󠁿 offers some tips for how other communities can become more EV-friendly.

 * Partner with a local utility to offer rebates for customers. Customers who use
   [home charging systems](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/flo-partners-with-green-mountain-power-to-support-the-deployment-of-residential-ev-charging-stations-in-vermont/)
   for their electric vehicle. Also to offer overall reduced rates for customers
   who are charging electric vehicles at home;
 * Offer a variety of incentives—such as tax credits. Also access to HOV lanes, 
   fast-tracking permitting processes and/or free parking benefits. For consumers
   who purchase and drive an electric car.
 * Identify code changes for new construction to make it easier to install public
   charging stations. Finally:

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/pexels-photo-
3846205.jpg?resize=780%2C520&quality=52&ssl=1 "pexels-photo-3846205 - The Green 
Living Guy")

Now fast forward to 2020. The electric drive market in the U.S. achieved an important
milestone in October 2018. Thereby reaching two million sales of plug-in vehicles.

In less than a decade, an entirely new value chain has been established in this 
country and the benefits reach across multiple segments of the economy. The work
is not done but this achievement marks a crucial step toward advanced mobility that
enhances both our energy and economic security.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/nrg_8-13evgomcmall174-
300x200.jpg?resize=135%2C90&quality=52&ssl=1)

In conclusion, EDTA applauds the innovation and success of their members. As well
as the diverse electric drive industry. All including the vehicle and component 
manufacturers, utilities, end-users and stakeholders.  Ones that have made electric
drive an integral part of our transportation system.

EDTA will works with [Electric Vehicle Association of Asia Pacific](https://web.archive.org/web/20180812083653/http://www.evaap.org:80/).

[Source: The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA)](https://web.archive.org/web/20190808061822/https://electricdrive.org/)

[November](https://web.archive.org/web/20190806110851/https://electricdrive.org/index.php?ht=d/ReleaseDetails/id/76050)
16, 2018 and February 24, 2012;  Washington, DC

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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