FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Patrick Harbison
916-747-9143
pharbison@pluginamerica.org
PLUG IN AMERICA RELEASES REPORT TO HELP UTILITIES EVALUATE PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADOPTION
November 9, 2016 – Today, Plug In America released its new report, “Evaluating Methods to Encourage Plug In Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Review of Reports on PEV Incentive Effectiveness for California Utilities.” The report starts by examining the enormous opportunities available to utilities from plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), including more off-peak energy sold, more efficient use of existing utility assets through additional load from PEVs and therefore reduced rates, easier integration of renewable energy and potential load control, among other benefits.
As the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the use of these clean vehicles, Plug In America supports the involvement of utilities in the PEV sector.
“Consumers love their plug-in vehicles. These clean cars and utilities are a perfect match. Utilities should do everything they can to encourage the adoption of these vehicles for the benefit of the ratepayer and utility grid, not to mention the environment,” commented Joel Levin, Executive Director of Plug In America.
To help utilities decide which programs for PEV promotion work best, this report reviews existing literature on the effectiveness of multiple methods. The most effective methods include:
- Raising awareness by mention in newsletters, social media, and bill inserts;
- Hosting events that offer test drives or rides in PEVs;
- Installing and operating charging stations, focused on apartments, workplaces, metro areas and PEV corridors; and
- Offering a financial incentive, such as a discounted group buy.
“Even utilities that aren’t yet ready for PEVs, need to monitor and plan for PEV growth,” stated Levin. “Utilities should look to strategically install a variety of charging infrastructure and implement specific PEV rates and load control programs, in addition to a host of other support programs.” Currently more than 520,000 PEVs have been sold nationwide, with sales expected to accelerate as more vehicle models become available.
“Plug In America looks forward to working with utilities to get more of these cars on the road,” stated Levin.
The report was sponsored by the California Electric Transportation Coalition.
To access the full report: https://pluginamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/PEV-Incentive-Review-October-2016.pdf
For information on Plug In America: www.pluginamerica.org
Plug In America is the leading national consumer voice promoting the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the
United States to consumers, policymakers, auto manufacturers and others. Formed as a non-profit in 2008,
Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle
drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our
expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. The
organization conceived National Drive Electric Week and has advanced workplace charging by pioneering
ride-and-drive events at such leading corporations as Google, Mattel and Paramount Pictures. We drive
electric. You can too. www.pluginamerica.org
