The Electric Drive Vehicle Deployment Act of 2011 (HR1685) – introduced on May 3 and warmly received by both sides of the aisle in a Congress not marked by consensus politics – also has received support from a key industry association.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), on behalf of its Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment/Systems (EVSES) product section, gave its imprimatur to the bill on May 4.
Introduced by Representatives Judy Biggert (R-IL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jerry McNerney (D-CA (News - Alert)), and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), HR 1685 is designed to fast-track the deployment of energy-saving electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid technologies.
“Electric vehicle supply equipment is a central component of the smart grid and the investments made through this legislation will pay dividends – job creation, enhanced energy security, and a cleaner environment,” said NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis.
The bill authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Energy to competitively award up to $300 million to each of 10 different deployment communities nationwide, with the objective of deploying 700,000 electric vehicles locally within six years. These communities will then serve as domestic hubs for EV manufacturing and deployment, as well as proving grounds for best practices.
On the household level, consumers will see the following benefits:
At least $2,000 (beyond existing tax credits, or other federal and local incentives) for the first 50,000 EV consumers within each deployment community
An extension of 2014 federal tax credits for the purchase and installation of EV charging equipment for individuals (up to $2,000) or businesses (up to $50,000 for multiple equipment purchases).
In addition, HR 1685 authorizes bonding authority for EV infrastructure investments, a loan program to enable manufacturers to reequip their facilities to produce electric vehicle supply equipment or EV components, and a program to encourage adoption of EVs by federal fleets.
“As America experiences the rise and fall of gas prices alongside the rise and fall of al Qaeda leadership … it is time to tell the oil sheiks funding terror networks that America needs their oil as much as we need their sand,” said Markey, Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee and senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “It’s time for America to start driving toward a clean, safe energy future, and electric vehicles can help power the way.”
Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Jennifer Russell
