The modern electric grid often seems like a miracle. Thousands of generating sources, from residential solar power systems to huge power plants, kept in almost instantaneous sync with millions of electricity consumers. All with a reliability rate of better than 99 percent. Continue reading »
Unique collaborative shares guidance on how utilities can increase EV adoption and infrastructure
May 7, 2018 in Energy Systems, Transportation & Fuels Authors: Brendan Jordan, Jill Syvrud
Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to become an ever-increasing part of the Midcontinent region’s transportation mix. As the demand and utilization of EVs increases, so does the EV-specific demand for electricity, raising many important questions for electric utilities and state and local policymakers. Continue reading »
White Paper: Electric Vehicles Have Potential to Transform the Grid with Previously Unrealized Benefits in the Midcontinent
April 23, 2018 in Energy Systems, News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek
The continuing surge in electric vehicle (EV) use has utilities looking to future impacts on the existing grid structure. Now, a unique consortium of stakeholders has released a white paper that shows that grid transformation can not only meet EV demand, but it can simultaneously benefit utility customers, the economy, and the environment. Continue reading »
Capitol Pathways Intern at GPI
April 9, 2018 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek
The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is thrilled to again serve as a host organization for the Capitol Pathways internship program. Organized by the Citizens League, the program “opens access to the Minnesota Capitol to the next generation of leaders of color.” The long-term goal is to make government truly representative of the communities it serves. Continue reading »
GreenStep Cities: January Workshop
January 5, 2018 in Communities, Transportation & Fuels Author: Abby Finis
The January GreenStep Cities workshop focused on electric vehicle (EV) readiness, with discussions on the benefits and adoption of EVs, electric vehicle fleets, and success stories. Continue reading »
Making Your City “EV-Ready”
November 30, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Authors: Brian Ross, Katelyn Bocklund
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 »
Utilities, Companies, and Local Governments Discuss Opportunities for Collaboration on EVs in Minnesota
November 20, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Katelyn Bocklund
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 »
Midcontinent Power Sector Collaborative Tours General Motors’ Battery Lab
November 18, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Katelyn Bocklund
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 »
Plug into Minnesota and Electrify Your Next Road Trip Up North
October 4, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Katelyn Bocklund
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 »
A Look Back at Drive Electric Week in Minnesota
September 21, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Katelyn Bocklund
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 »
