Technology companies, automobile dealers, utilities, and environmental and community advocates have joined forces to launch a new coalition intended to push electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
Specifically, the coalition, known as ChargEVC, will research, educate and advocate for the widespread adoption of next-generation EVs throughout the state of New Jersey.
According to the coalition, drivers will soon be able to choose from a variety of EVs that offer driving ranges of more than 200 miles on a full charge, as well as superior pickup and an exciting driving experience at affordable prices.
ChargEVC’s mission is to “design and promote policies that replace cars that run on traditional fuel with electric-powered vehicles and [ensure] widespread benefits, including reductions in greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions, strengthening of the utility grid, lowering and stabilizing of electricity rates, reduction of transportation costs, and a diversification of New Jersey’s primary energy supply beyond petroleum.”
Pamela Frank, executive director of ChargEVC, says, “We see wide and large economic and environmental benefits across all sectors. This is both an energy and a transportation initiative, and it presents a unique opportunity for New Jersey to set a national model of thoughtful policies that promote the growth of EVs and the substantial benefits they deliver. New Jersey has the opportunity to realize these benefits and more, but only with proactive planning and policies.”
“Since a majority of the state’s electricity comes from zero-emission sources, electric vehicles provide a great opportunity to improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions,” says M. Courtney McCormick, vice president in renewables and energy solutions at PSE&G. “We’re committed to working with the coalition to support policies and develop programs that support EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure for our customers.”
“With no tailpipe emissions and low operating costs, EVs can reduce air pollution and save money. Our job will be to evenly distribute those benefits – especially where they are most needed in urban neighborhoods,” notes Martin Johnson, president of Isles Inc.
“The environmental benefits are substantial. In New Jersey, a mile driven in an EV is 70 percent less polluting than a mile driven in a gas-fueled car,” says Mary Barber, director of New Jersey clean energy with the Environmental Defense Fund.
“ChargEVC wants to promote EV charging infrastructure to accelerate EV adoption,” says Colleen Quinn, vice president for ChargePoint. “New Jersey has the opportunity to be a leader if it embraces policies that promote a robust, competitive and innovative electric charging system throughout the state, which will also bring the benefit of jobs and other positive economic activity.”
ChargEVC plans to publish its first report, “The NJ EV Roadmap,” in early 2017. The report will provide the research, analysis and policy recommendations necessary to ensure the acceleration of EV charging and infrastructure in New Jersey.
