Electric Vehicles Spark Economy and Action to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Zero-emission electric vehicles are here. Not a military assault, but a welcomed wave of the first 100% electric vehicle (EV), the Nissan LEAF.  Nissan’s compact, 5 door hatchback will have an expected driving distance of 100 miles suitable for normal driving, particularly a daily commute for most people. In fact, U.S. DOT Highway Administration indicates the 100-mile benchmark accounts for 90% of all household vehicle trips in the U.S.  

The first 20,000 vehicles already reserved are expected to rollout before the end of the year. Automotive enthusiasts and environmental advocates can anticipate the next deployment in 2011.

Production hurdles actually represent economic opportunities for automotive equipment makers tackling petroleum consumption by supplementing fleets with EVs and other advanced vehicles such as hybrid plug in electric vehicles.

In this same wave, public charging stations are needed to charge up electric vehicles, sparking jobs to build highway charging infrastructure. The US. Department of Energy is funding nearly $115 million in grants for the EV Project through the ECOtality program. The EV Project will install 15,000 charging stations in 16 cities over a three year period.  The EV Project will qualify buyers to receive residential chargers, which are being offered to 8,300 early adopters, which include 5,700 Nissan LEAF zero emission vehicles and 2,600 Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles with extended range capability.

These public EV chargers will accumulate data about EV charging needs for future utility rating. According to EV Project sources, the lessons learned will provide charge infrastructure data for utilities, OEMs, and states ‘to enable the streamlined deployment to the next 5,000,000 EVs’.

Availability of certified technicians will be needed to fix the new breed of EVs.  Residential dock charging equipment, including a dedicated 220v 40 amp dedicated circuit, similar to the standard clothes dryer outlet will need to be installed by certified electricians.

New vehicle manufacturing and cost to produce specialized ion lithium batteries can add up to higher costs for consumers.  As a result, Federal tax credits of $7500 and some state directed tax incentives are being offered to help make EVs more affordable and are also funded by the American Resource and Recovery Act (ARRA).  

The driving interest of states to take action against harmful CO2 emissions and global warming are making the case for EVs, particularly California. In fact, California was the first state to drive emissions reporting and establish tailpipe reduction goals with passage of AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act.

The states prepared to come into the new age of EVs with the Nissan LEAF are Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington.  The latter part of 2011, distribution is expected to reach all U.S. markets.   

With government tax credits, including a new economy built around transportation electrification, individuals willing to take responsibility also for reducing our carbon footprint will help our world become a healthier and greener place.