Oct. 1 , 2008
King County going electric to cut fuel consumption
New report outlines key initiatives to grow plug-in vehicle market
King County is writing the next chapter in the effort to turn the corner on climate change – one it hopes will help spur consumer demand for electric and battery powered vehicles for the public benefit.
As part of his strategic initiative to cut fuel consumption and harmful carbon emissions, King County Executive Ron Sims today unveiled a five-point plan to support the national switch to electric automobiles. The 2008 Electric Vehicle Report provides a blueprint for new standards for government fleets, provides incentives for using clean alternatives to fossil fuels, continues the county's participation in a national plug-in vehicle demonstration project, and looks to new electric vehicle technology as the key to energy efficient transportation for the coming decade.
"This report acknowledges this new era of science and technology and its potential for changing the very nature of the automobile," King County Executive Ron Sims said. "Just as we have been at the forefront in our commitment to slash carbon emissions and use the cleanest fuels and hybrid technology available, King County is again in the lead in an effort to support the growth of a new generation of automobiles – cars with the capability of traveling 100 miles or more on a gallon of gas and can be powered by a regular 120 volt outlet.
"I want to thank Councilmember Jane Hague for her leadership on this issue that is so important to our quality of life," Sims said.
The release of Sims' 2008 Electric Vehicle Report was done at the direction of the County Council, who adopted a motion in June directing the Executive to study ways King County can provide charging stations for the next generation of hybrids. The report comes just as General Motors and Chrysler are unveiling plans to release the nation's first mass-produced, reasonably priced, plug-in electric vehicles. The introduction of these vehicles in 2010 is expected to have a major impact on the automobile industry, just as the introduction of hybrid-electric cars, such as the Toyota Prius, have had.
"The introduction of mass-produced plug-ins vehicles is a revolutionary step in transportation," said County Councilmember Jane Hague, prime sponsor of the motion calling for the study. "King County's preparation to accommodate these cars is a strong example of our commitment to lowering our regional carbon footprint and to reducing our dependence on foreign oil. I look forward to working with the Executive to make these recommendations a reality."
Recharge your battery at a Metro park-and-ride
The electric vehicle report calls for steps to be taken today to get ready for the mass production of plug-in electric vehicles that's just around the corner. One key step in that direction is the expansion of electric vehicle recharging stations at Metro Transit park-and-ride lots. Metro already provides 120-volt electric outlets at the Issaquah Highlands and Eastgate park-and-ride garages. In anticipation of the commercial availability of plug-in vehicles, an additional 20 charging stations are being added to park-and-rides currently under construction, including the new Redmond Parking Garage, Burien Transit Center and Brickyard Park-and-Ride. Metro will also seek grants to add recharging stations at other park-and-rides as demand grows and will explore the feasibility of offering plug-in vans as part of its VanShare program.
Beginning this month, Metro is also launching a pilot project intended to reward residents who are already pioneering the use of plug-in electric vehicles and use transit for part of their trip. Starting with existing recharging outlets at the Eastgate and Issaquah Highlands park-and-rides, plug-in vehicle owners can reserve a space in designated parking stalls with electrical outlets. Use of these stalls will be limited to owners of plug-in vehicles enrolled in the pilot program. In addition to reserved parking during busy morning commute periods, participants will also receive free electricity and other incentives to reward them for their green travel habits. Owners of plug-in vehicles can find out how to participate in the pilot by calling 206-625-4500, or visiting www.rideshareonline.com/electric.
Government fleets also getting greener
The electric vehicle report not only positions the region to take full advantage of the growing electric vehicle market, but notes King County's commitment to piloting a regional effort to create green management standards on behalf of 21 government agencies participating in an "Evergreen Fleets Initiative". The goal of the initiative is to establish specific targets and strategies that will help government fleets purchase clean-vehicles and adopt policies that promote uniform best practices in fleet operations.
The electric vehicle report also acknowledges the need to better understand current technology developments and emerging issues that will guide future investment in electric vehicles. That's why King County is proposing to continue its partnership with the City of Seattle, Port of Seattle, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and Idaho National Laboratories (INL) on a demonstration project that will produce important testing data on vehicle performance. King County is converting four of its existing Toyota Priuses to plug-in hybrid electric, thanks to matching funding provided by INL.
As part of this demonstration, the county will also work with regional utility providers to identify the most efficient use of the power system and help assure and accelerate the optimal integration and acceptance of these new technologies.
Sims submitted his 2008 Electric Vehicle Report today to the Metropolitan King County Council. The report is also available for review.