EDTA Announces Commitment to Spur Adoption of Plug-In Electric Vehicles

Seeks Partners at Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting

NEW YORK, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Seeking to stimulate mass market adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in North America, the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) unveiled a detailed action plan as part of the green mobility commitments announced today at the Clinton Global Initiative's (CGI) 2010 sixth annual meeting in New York City.

EDTA's Plug-in Electric Vehicle Acceleration Initiative will provide a range of education and outreach programs to extend demand of these vehicles beyond first adopters to reach millions of potential car buyers. The initiative includes components, such as:

• A new consumer-oriented website developed with input from more than 60 companies and organizations that will serve as a clearinghouse for concise and timely information on purchasing, owning and operating plug-in electric vehicles;
• Inter-industry and inter-governmental collaborations to establish best practices, uniform standards, and incentives to accelerate market acceptance of all types of plug-in electric vehicles;
• Development of educational materials about electric vehicles for state and local officials, first responders, fleet operators, building owners and managers and retailers;
• Expanded participation by non-profits, grassroots organizations and the general public in EDTA annual conference, the EVS-2012 international conference and consumer education about electric vehicles conducted by automakers and utilities at North American auto shows.

"This initiative aims to speed the transition to electric drive and help us achieve the full environmental, economic and national security benefits of electrifying the transportation sector," said EDTA President Brian Wynne. "Transportation accounts for one-third of the greenhouse gases produced in the U.S. Even with our existing electric grid, plug-in electric vehicles on average reduce emissions by one-third, with greater reductions achieved when vehicles are recharged from hydro-electric, nuclear or renewable energy sources such as wind and solar."

As part of its commitment made at the CGI, EDTA will recruit foundations, companies and other organizations to support this initiative. EDTA also will be providing regular updates on the progress of achieving its commitment over the coming months and years.

With the mass-market launches later this year of the General Motors' Chevrolet Volt, an extended range plug-in electric car, and the Nissan Leaf, an all-electric car, and plans by other auto manufacturers to introduce 15 different models of plug-in electric vehicles by 2012, consumers will have a wide selection of clean energy vehicle choices.  Additionally, 20,000 vehicle charging stations are being installed across the nation as part of the U.S. Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

About EDTA:

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the trade association representing battery, plug-in, hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure.  EDTA conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and international conferences.  EDTA's membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, and government agencies.  For more information about EDTA and its members, visit www.electricdrive.org.

About the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI):

Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Since 2005, CGI Annual Meetings have brought together more than 125 current and former heads of state, 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, hundreds of leading CEOs, heads of foundations, major philanthropists, directors of the most effective nongovernmental organizations, and prominent members of the media. These CGI members have made more than 1,700 commitments valued at $57 billion, which have already improved the lives of 220 million people in more than 170 countries. The CGI community also includes CGI University (CGI U), a forum to engage college students in global citizenship, MyCommitment.org, an online portal where anybody can make a Commitment to Action, and CGI Lead, which engages a select group of young leaders from business, government, and civil society. For more information, visit www.clintonglobalinitiative.org

SOURCE Electric Drive Transportation Association

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