Electricity systems are increasingly becoming interactive and dynamic, opening up opportunities for energy technologies to “talk” to each other and create numerous benefits for energy consumers (e.g., increased efficiency, lower costs, and reduced emissions). This opportunity is one that GPI and our partners are exploring through the combination of electric vehicles (EVs) and solar energy.
Continue reading »
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction among consumers, governments, and automakers as battery prices fall and the benefits of EVs increase. Within the last year, virtually every major automobile manufacturer has announced plans to transition to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. As cities look to capitalize on the opportunity that EVs can bring, from lower maintenance costs for consumers to better air quality for residents, they also must lay the groundwork for their communities to become ‘EV-ready’. Continue reading »
Earlier this fall, the Great Plains Institute hosted our third annual Energy Innovation Celebration with a focus on “Solutions from the Ground Up.” Ahead of the big event, the Metro Clean Energy Resource Team, in collaboration with Drive Electric Minnesota, hosted a pre-workshop focused on electric vehicles (EVs). More importantly, the workshop invited conversations centered around collaboration among utilities, local governments, and corporations on how to increase EV adoption in Minnesota. While the workshop helped to confirm some things we already knew, it also brought forth new context from additional voices in the room. Continue reading »
As part of its September quarterly meeting, the Midcontinent Power Sector Collaborative (MPSC) had the unique opportunity to tour General Motors’ Battery Lab and learn about the power behind electric vehicles. Led by GM employee Douglas Drauch, the tour consisted of multiple stops including the Pack Lab, Cell & Module Lab, and Shaker Room. Continue reading »
Autumn is quickly underway in Minnesota, which means it’s the perfect time to head north and witness the spectacular fall colors along the North Shore of Lake Superior. And now, thanks to the addition of DC Fast Chargers between the Twin Cities and Tettegouche State Park, drivers of all electric vehicles (EVs), even those with lower ranges, can enjoy a Fall road trip along Minnesota’s new electric highway. Continue reading »
Another successful week of National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) events in Minnesota was wrapped up on September 17. As a partnership of Minnesota electric vehicle (EV) champions, Drive Electric MN served as a communications hub for NDEW 2017 and helped to coordinate the efforts of several of our partners. As a special bonus this year, Twin Cities-based Chinook Book donated over 300 copies of the 2016-17 Chinook Book to distribute at NDEW events. Continue reading »
Based on our analysis, we’ve shown that while coal makes up most of the grid’s electricity sources in Minnesota, plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) result in about 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline vehicles over the life of the vehicle. If you are a PEV driver in Minnesota who wants to achieve even greater emission reductions, you can charge your PEV with energy from renewable sources. Continue reading »
Great River Energy (GRE), a partner of Drive Electric Minnesota, just wrapped up its tour of the first electric school bus in Minnesota (and even the Midwest). The bus will be back in the fall, transporting children in Lakeville, MN to and from school in all its electric glory, powered by 100 percent wind energy through GRE’s Revolt program. Continue reading »
It’s no lie that electric vehicles (EVs) have taken off along the east and west coasts, especially in California. However, EV adoption in other parts of the country is happening at a slower pace. This includes the Midwest, which is home to roughly one-fifth of the population of the United States. An increase in EV deployment in Midwest has the potential to significantly reduce national transportation emissions, in addition to increasing opportunities for more Midwestern consumers to realize the many benefits of driving an electric vehicle. Continue reading »
