Would you like to get these updates delivered to your inbox? Click here to sign up!
Events
St. Petersburg, Florida
Check out three opportunities to take an electric vehicle test drive with the Driving on Sunshine pit crew this weekend. On Saturday, we'll be at the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market from 9 AM - 2 PM. Register for a test drive at the Saturday Morning Market. We'll also be at the Martin Luther King Day celebration at Alfred Whitted Park from 12 PM - 4 PM. Register for a test drive for the MLK event on Saturday. On Monday, join Tesla enthusiasts and current owners for an educational EV experience at the "Drive the Future" event at the Tropicana Field from 11 AM - 3:30 PM. Register for the event.
Orlando, Florida
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance is hosting a breakfast and moderated discussion on electrifying Orlando's city bus fleet on January 22, 2020, from 8-9:30 AM at the Orlando Utilities Commission. The City of Orlando is electrifying their municipal bus fleet. Hear about the opportunities, implications, and challenges from key stakeholders during a panel discussion moderated by Ashley Horvat with Greenlots. Registration is required. Register for the event.
Electric Vehicles
No, you can't buy it, but take a look at the Vision-S. A working car from Sony that is full to the brim with user-friendly tech and impressive specs.
This month Volkswagen sold its 250,000th vehicle with an electric motor since 2013. Take a peek at ID. Crozz - their version of all-electric crossover - slated to be revealed this year.
The first Tesla assembly line outside of the US might not be the only reason CEO Elon Musk would want to bust a move this weekend. On Monday, Tesla’s share price was up over 5%.
Infrastructure
This is long promised and awaited technology that will allow access to one of the many stacked benefits of electric vehicles; energy storage. Beyond residential, this technology will theoretically allow city, state, corporate, military base EV fleets to keep critical functions operational during a blackout.
Australian Innovation: A multi-functional device, called the Intelligent Charger, is installed inside the EV and charged from the household circuit or a household battery. It can also feed energy back in the reverse direction, meaning one of its various functions is as a back-up system. “It is also useful on the road. If the car runs out of power and is nowhere near a charging station, the device lets the driver plug into another electric vehicle and boost the battery that way.”
Policy
"By issuing these EV standards now, the ICC expects building owners to save money in the long haul. Retrofitting sites with EV charging equipment such as expanded electrical panels, raceways, and pre-wiring can be much more expensive than adding to new construction: $3,550 compared to $920, according to one study."
An interactive map from Consumer Reports shows states who have enacted or are proposing EV fees higher than the average annual gas tax for a new car in 2020. Take note of Georgia and North Carolina on the map. “People should be able to choose a vehicle that’s safe, reliable, and better for the environment without being punished with higher fees.”
Two Florida proposals look to address electric vehicle charging infrastructure and create a plan to make EV charging stations apart of the state highway system. A robust EV charging network will encourage EVs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit the state's health.
Plug-in NC is working to get North Carolina a special license plate to increase awareness and support of EVs! They need 500 paid-in-advance (starting at $10) applications by Feb. 8, 2020. (Refunded if design is not approved.) Start your application: bit.ly/NCEVPlate.