Archive for 2017

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Plug In America’s 2017 Top Ten Electric Car Milestones

No doubt about it, 2017 was a banner year for electric vehicles. We have not yet hit the “turning point” that everyone talks about, when the vehicles will explode into the market, but we think we can see it from here. Here’s our take on the top EV milestones for[…]

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Atlanta Passes Comprehensive “EV Ready” Law

Put another tick in the win column for EV advocates this year. On, Monday November 20, 2017, the Atlanta City Council voted in favor of a new city law that requires 20% of all new commercial parking structures and all new single-family residential homes in Atlanta to be “EV ready”.[…]

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Electric Cars and Utilities: NARUC 2017 Baltimore

Plug In America participated in the annual conference of the National Association of Utility Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC). In this brief video, Policy Director, Katherine Stainken, provides insight on the test drives Commissioners and other attendees experienced at the event. .@NARUC Annual Meeting & Education Conference NARUC Live! Interview: Katherine Stainken,[…]

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EV Drivers Are Watching the U.S. Senate

In the past week, Plug In America has led the charge of EV drivers protesting against the U.S. House of Representatives’ destructive proposal to immediately terminate the federal EV tax credit as a part of their larger tax plan. Thousands of people have contacted their representatives to tell them that[…]

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Kill the Electric Car Again? Not on Our Watch

Update Friday, December 15, 2017 The conference version of the House and Senate tax package that was released late Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 does not cut the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. THANK YOU to all our Plug In America friends and fellow EV drivers for stepping up and sending[…]

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The First EV Drive – Generating Maximum Impact – EV Test Drive Best Practices Webinar Recording

Plug In America hosted this webinar on October 17, 2017. PIA’s Policy Director, Katherine Stainken moderated a lively discussion with Linda Benevides, Director of Green Business at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, April Bolduc, Electric Vehicle (EV) Customer Engagement Manager for San Diego Gas & Electric’s[…]

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Do Big EV Announcements Happen in Threes?

First it was Volvo this spring, announcing its intention to transition to electric cars (with some hedging including mild hybrids). Then China, the world’s largest vehicle market, generated incredible buzz with that government’s decision to institute mandatory plug-in electric car sales starting in 2019. Now, General Motors kicks off the[…]

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The Future Really IS Electric—Just Ask General Motors, and Volvo, and Daimler, and Ford, and…

For more than a decade, Plug In America has been telling anyone who will listen that electric drive is the future. It is simply a better technology for getting from place to place. It’s cleaner, more convenient, more economical, safer, and a lot more fun to drive. Those of you[…]

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The First EV Drive – Generating Maximum Impact Webinar

Plug In America Webinar The First EV Drive – Generating Maximum Impact Register now: it’s free. Tuesday, October 17 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. EST (9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. PST) | 45 minutes Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future for transportation. While the percent of EVs on roads today[…]

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National Drive Electric Week Reaches All 50 States With 276 Events

NATIONAL DRIVE ELECTRIC WEEK REACHES ALL 50 STATES WITH 276 EVENTS 7th Annual Event Achieves Biggest, Widest Reach in History WASHINGTON – For the first time, National Drive Electric Week has reached all 50 states. This year’s coordinated network of 276 community events ranged from massive displays of electric vehicles[…]

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NDEW LA FAQs 2017

NDEW-LA-FAQs

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Ask the EV Experts: How Reliable is an Electric Car’s Motor?

In our latest episode of Ask the EV Experts, we answer a questions from our viewer Alice. Have a question of your own? Let us know in the comments below, post it on Facebook, Tweet at us, or email us at info@pluginamerica.org #AskTheEVExpert Question: “One of my favorite things about my[…]

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The World’s Biggest Celebration of the Electric Car

National Drive Electric Week is coming up, September 9-17, and this year there is a lot to celebrate. 2017 is feeling more and more like the year that EVs really hit the mainstream. France and the United Kingdom have joined the list of countries phasing out internal combustion engine cars[…]

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The Most Important Vehicle of the Century

“The Most Important Vehicle of the Century” Those aren’t my words. That is what Motor Trend glowingly called the Tesla Model 3 when they were fortunate enough to take a test drive in one of the first few vehicles on the road. I haven ’t been in one yet, but I[…]

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Plug In America’s Policy Director Katherine Stainken on Georgia’s Tax Credit

Check out this latest article in Utility Drive where PIA’s very own Katherine Stainken shares why resurrecting Georgia’s EV tax credit is so important for the state’s economy. “Two years ago, Georgia lawmakers got rid of an attractive $5,000 tax credit for the purchase of electric vehicles —and replaced it[…]

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Used Electric Car Buyers’ Guide Now Live!

Looking into getting a used electric car? Learn what to look for and what to avoid in our new Used Electric Car Buyers’ Guide.  Click the image below to head on over!

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Summer is for Shaking Hands…with Your Representatives!

The summer is finally here! July is the month for watermelon, BBQ’s, trips to the beach, lake or pool, vacation, contacting your Representatives… Yes, you read that last one right. Time to contact your Representatives! Congress is still in session right now, but August recess is right around the corner.[…]

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What’s the Best Electric Car?

I get this question a lot. But there isn’t really a single answer. As with gas cars (and toasters) the real question to ask is, “what’s the best electric car for me?” People have varied needs and tastes, and the car (or toaster) that works best for me might not[…]

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Southern California Edison Offers $450 Rebate for EV Drivers

In an effort to put more plug-in cars on the road and help fight climate change, Southern California Edison is now offering a $450 rebate for its EV-driving customers.  This new incentive is available to SCE customers who own or are leasing a plug-in electric vehicle, and is issued on[…]

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Climate Change Is Real

Despite what the President may think, climate change is real; it’s an existential threat to our society; and it requires our utmost attention and determination right now. Pulling out of the Paris Accord, signed by nearly every country on Earth, is a tremendous step in the wrong direction. The good[…]

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Ford’s Opportunity to Dream Big on EVs

    We learned recently that Jim Hackett has been appointed the new president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, with a mandate from Chairman Bill Ford to “transform the company to meet tomorrow’s challenges.” There has been much speculation that this is coming from a shareholder demand for the[…]

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The Electric Car Takes Capitol Hill

Plug In America recently staged a day-long ride and drive event for U.S. Senators and their staff. It was a milestone for Plug In America and for the electric car. Hundreds of Senate staff showed up to learn about and drive electric cars, most for the first time. The event[…]

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Ask the EV Experts: Charging Etiquette

In our latest episode of Ask the EV Experts, we answer a questions from two of our viewers, Joe and Robert. Have a question of your own? Let us know in the comments below, post it on Facebook, Tweet at us, or email us at info@pluginamerica.org #AskTheEVExpert Question 1: “Does it[…]

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Ask the EV Experts: The Different Charging Levels Explained

In our latest episode of Ask the EV Experts, we answer a questions from two of our viewers, Richard and Hannah. Have a question of your own? Let us know in the comments below, post it on Facebook, Tweet at us, or email us at info@pluginamerica.org #AskTheEVExpert Question 1: “What does[…]

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Plug In America Honors Student Scientists and Engineers at the California State Science Fair

Continuing its tradition of supporting student scientists and engineers working on EV related research, last week Plug In America gave out four special awards at the 2017 California State Science Fair. Two awards went to students in the Junior division (grades 6-8) and two to the Senior division (grades 9-12).[…]

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Southern California Cities Plug Into Charge Ready EV Program

Today we feature a guest blog post by Paul Griffo of Inside Edison. UPDATE: In celebration of being the first Charge Ready site, Lynwood is holding “Plug-in to Earth Day” at the Lynwood Civic Center on April 22. In addition to a “plug-in ceremony,” the event will feature live entertainment and activities[…]

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More EV Charging Needed: Everyone Pitch In!

Building EV charging is one of the most effective ways to encourage more EV buyers. Luckily, we’re about to see the single biggest investment in EV charging ever with the funds from the VW settlement. The settlement will result in thousands of new EV charging stations across the country. While[…]

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Plug In to Earth Day

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Q&A with EVmatch: Airbnb for EV Charging

The sharing economy has infiltrated electric cars on a few fronts. Recent launches of car sharing services in the Southern California region – such as Maven, General Motors’ service which will feature all-electric Bolts and WaiveCar in Santa Monica, which offers 2 hours free in a Chevy Spark to drivers[…]

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Who Saved the Electric Car?

Last Friday, the California Air Resources Board met in Riverside and unanimously decided to follow the recommendations of its staff to continue the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Program as planned, without any changes, through 2025—despite repeats of the old complaints from some in the auto industry that there is no[…]

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EV Driver, Mom Offers Emotional Plea to California Regulators

Michelle Pierce, an EV advocate and mom, offered this moving plea to the California Air Resources Board at their mid-term review of the Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate. Reprinted here with permission from the author. Watch the meeting’s broadcast archive here. Michelle Pierce’s remarks begin at approximately 3:05. — When I[…]

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Press Release: WallyPark Premier (LAX) is 1st All Electric Depot

Travelers who park at Los Angeles International Airport will be taking all-electric shuttle buses from WallyPark’s lots to catch their flights. As we noted last month, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are becoming electrified, with deployments in transit districts and fleets throughout the U.S. PRESS RELEASE: Phoenix Motorcars Deploys All Electric[…]

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A Growing Trend: Electric Car Sales on the Rise

Electric car sales have experienced a significant increase over the past few months.  In December of 2016, almost 25,000 plug-in cars were sold, shattering the previous monthly record of almost 15,000 from August 2016.  In the first three months of this year, over 40,000 cars were sold (10,597 in January,[…]

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Are You Feeling Lucky? Enter to Win a Free Charging Station

Sign up to lead a Drive Electric Week celebration in your neighborhood by 3/17, St Patrick’s Day, and be entered to win a ClipperCreek charging station. Many thanks to generous donor, ClipperCreek. Learn more about National Drive Electric Week.

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Are You Gonna Pay for That? A Response to EV Road Usage Fees

Since the start of the new year, Plug in America has been alerted to a number of bills in states that would impose road usage fees for EVs. As reported this week by the New York Times, fees are cropping up throughout the country. Just when EVs are starting to[…]

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Tesla Model 3 Slated for Second Half of 2017 as Model S and Model X Sales Reach Record Highs

Tesla is gearing up for full rate production and delivery of the 2017 Model 3 in the second half of this year.  The Model 3 is currently in low-rate initial production for testing/prototype purposes while the manufacturing tooling is being installed at both the Fremont Factory and Gigafactory 1.  Concurrently,[…]

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Automotive Writer Makes the Switch to EVs

This week we feature a guest post from Steve Schaefer, who has written a weekly automotive column for 25 years, testing more than 1,200 cars. Now, he’s focusing on electric cars and hybrids. Steve recently took delivery of a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV – his first electric car. As an[…]

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Ask the EV Experts: Is It Safe to Charge My Electric Car in the Rain?

In our latest episode of Ask the EV Experts, we answer a question from Kyle in Utah. Have a question of your own? Post it on Facebook, Tweet at us or email us at info@pluginamerica.org #AskTheEVExpert Question: “Is it safe to charge my electric car in the rain?” Answer: Yes! We[…]

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Electric Auto Association: 50 Year Anniversary

Marc Geller Special for The Driver’s Seat Blog The Electric Auto Association is turning 50 this year! Since our founding in San Jose, CA in 1967, the membership of EAA, which spans the nation, has demonstrated that electric vehicles can be built and function with existing technology. Our membership converted[…]

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Plug-In Trucks Are Coming to Your Town! Yes, Electric Trucks, and Buses, Too.

Mike Ippoliti, Special to In The Driver’s Seat Blog We all are hearing lots about plug-in electric cars, but there is now a great deal happening in the world of trucks, buses and other heavier vehicles. Larger vehicles like trucks have a much bigger impact on the environment, as individual[…]

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What Does Real Leadership Look Like?

With all of the uncertainty coming from Washington the past few weeks, one very significant announcement failed to get much news coverage. Mary Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, speaking at the annual VerdeXchange conference in Los Angeles, announced that California was pursuing a goal of 100% light-duty,[…]

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Bill Nye…the EV Guy!

Bill Nye, a long-time electric car advocate, recently picked up his “Kinetic Blue” Chevy Bolt EV and agrees with us – the Chevy Bolt is a game changer. In a recent interview with Green Car Reports’ John Voelcker, Nye lauded the Bolt as “head and shoulders above the rest” of[…]

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Ask the EV Experts: What Happens When I Run Out of Charge?

In our latest episode of Ask the EV Experts, we answer a question from Mary in Washington. Have a question of your own? Post it on Facebook, Tweet at us or email us at info@pluginamerica.org #AskTheEVExpert Question: “What happens if my electric car runs out of electricity on the road?” Answer:[…]

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New Tires Improve Electric Car Performance Where the Rubber Meets the Road

The tires on an electric car are an often overlooked yet vital component.  Advanced battery packs, efficient motors, and cutting edge thermal management systems often steal the spotlight when talking about the technical merits of electric cars, but the tires on their own deserve some attention.  As with any disruptive[…]

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Ask the EV Experts: Electric Car Maintenance

In our latest episode of Ask the EV Experts, we answer a question from Brian in Oregon. Have a question of your own? Post it on Facebook, Tweet at us or email us at info@pluginamerica.org #AskTheEVExpert Question: I’ve heard a lot about how electric cars don’t need any maintenance – is[…]

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