Updates by State
The pace for creating an appropriately sized EV charging network depends on two key factors: vehicle availability (roll-out locations and timing vary by automaker), and consumer acceptance. Automakers may focus initially on markets with large populations and early-adopter demographics.
REVI members are collaborating with local, state and regional groups to prepare for EV integration. By demonstrating market readiness, we continue to encourage automakers to include our areas in their roll-out plans.
Below are state updates that illustrate progress being made to establish EVs and EV infrastructure. This information is not a complete listing. Please contact your area REVI member(s) for the latest developments.
Connecticut
All of the state's electric utilities are active REVI members. Connecticut Light & Power (a Northeast Utilities company), The United Illuminating Company and the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) are partnering on a number of joint initiatives to advance EV transportation.
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council (EVIC) was established in 2009 by Governor M. Jodi Rell. The task force included representatives from key state agencies and business, academic and energy groups. EVIC's final report was presented in September 2010. Read more
- Nissan North America entered into a memo of understanding with the State of Connecticut and Connecticut Light & Power to launch the Leaf statewide.
- Connecticut's EV Forum was held in Hartford in May 2010. Co-hosted by EVIC and REVI, the event featured presentations and new-model previews from BMW Mini, Chevy, Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota. Event photos and Automakers presentations
- The Clean Cities demonstration program with the U.S. Department of Energy includes plans to install charging stations for testing in 2011 and 2012.
- Ongoing: CL&P, UI and CMEEC EV testing projects
- View AFDC's listing of charging stations in Connecticut
Massachusetts
REVI members in the Commonwealth include National Grid, NSTAR, Western Massachusetts Electric Company (a Northeast Utilities company) and the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC).
- The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is co-funding EV infrastructure and charging stations in selected municipalities, through a competitive review and application process launched in 2010.
- In 2009, the DOER became part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance to promote the development of an electric-vehicle charging network and policies to support widespread adoptions of electric cars. A group led by DOER’s Stephen Russell, director of alternative transportation, is working on plans for home and workplace charging, as well as a public charging infrastructure. The project is part of the Commonwealth's broad initiative to encourage development and deployment of electric-vehicle technology, consistent with its leading commitment to greenhouse-gas emission reductions.
- National Grid is testing a Ford Escape EV as part of a multi-year pilot program with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
- View AFDC’s listing of charging stations in Massachusetts
Rhode Island
REVI member National Grid is the utility partner of Project Get Ready’s Rhode Island chapter (PGR RI). In January 2010, Rhode Island became the first state and Providence the first community in the northeast to join Project Get Ready, an initiative led by the nationally-renowned Rocky Mountain Institute. Read press release
- PGR RI is coordinating with National Grid to develop a plan for electrifying 2% of Rhode Island’s cars without significantly increasing peak grid load, and while simultaneously decreasing transportations costs and carbon emissions.
- PGR RI enlisted Environment Northeast (ENE) to provide vital research and guidance to inform the coalition’s efforts to integrate electric vehicles. The coalition also includes Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, Conservation Law Foundation, Environment and a number of other public and private participants. Read more
- View AFDC’s listing of charging stations in Rhode Island
New Hampshire
Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH), a Northeast Utilities company, has a team of EV subject matter experts to support interested customers.
- PSNH is a member of the state’s Climate Change Policy Task Force which issued its NH Climate Action Plan in March 2009. Opportunities to integrate electric transportation are being considered for the future.
- View AFDC’s listing of charging stations in New Hampshire
Vermont
A new addition to the state’s small but growing EV infrastructure is a charging station opened in South Burlington at Healthy Living Market with utility partner Green Mountain Power. GMP also offers online resources at ev.greenmountainpower.com.
- In 2007, Steven Letendre, Ph.D. of Green Mountain College and Richard A. Watts, Ph.D. of the University of Vermont’s Transportation Center co-authored a report titled, "Effects of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles on the Vermont Electric Transmission System." View pdf
- For more information on alternative transportation in Vermont, contact Richard Watts, TRC Research Director, at richard.watts@uvm.edu.
- View the AFCD’s listing of charging stations in Vermont
Maine
Maine Clean Communities (MC2) formed an EV stakeholder group and coalition members issued an Electric Vehicle Feasibility Study in the fall of 2011. See details
- MC2 promotes clean fuel vehicles, energy independence and clean air. The program is part of the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Clean Cities network and is administered by the Greater Portland Council of Governments.
- Other Maine-based websites for EV news: GreenEnergyMaine.com and EVMaine.org
New York
REVI member National Grid is leading several initiatives in the Long Island and Syracuse areas. The utility is partnering with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on technical research and planning projects, and with EPRI on the multi-year Ford Escape EV and GM Volt demonstration projects. Learn more at PowerOfAction.com/PEV
- NYSERDA is spearheading several EV planning initiatives and was instrumental in the formation of the Northeast Electric Vehicle Network. In September 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a nearly $1 million Electric Vehicle Readiness Grant award for NYSERDA and others to develop guidelines for the siting, permitting, and installation of EV charging stations. See details
- View AFDC’s listing of charging stations in New York
States Leading EV Integration
REVI members stay in touch with peer utilities and other businesses developing robust EV charging infrastructure networks. Here are links to some interesting initiatives from other areas of the U.S.:
- Southern California (Southern Cal. Edison) See rate plans
- Oregon (Portland General Electric) Visit DriveOregon.org
- North Carolina (Progress Energy) See pilot program
- Texas (Reliant Energy / NRG Energy) Visit eVgo Network
- Michigan (DTE Energy) See interactive online tools
From pilot testing of charging station equipment to supporting consumer purchase incentives, REVI utilities are working proactively with policy makers, equipment suppliers and others interested in laying the foundation for EV market success.