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. The workshop began with introductions by GPI’s Diana McKeown, then moved into a presentation by Brian Ross, GPI, providing on overview of EV readiness (2:22). Then Mehjabeen Rahman, Green Corps Member, City of Edina, discusses the role of electric vehicles in the city of Edina fleet (48:50) and Tim Himmer, Public Works Director, Coon Rapids, talks about the city of Coon Rapids fleet vehicle EV suitability & charging infrastructure assessment. John Scharffbillig, Director of Fleet Services, City of Minneapolis, laid out the city’s plan for creating a greener fleet (1:08:01). Emily Goellner, AICP, LEED Green Associate Associate Planner/Grant Writer, Golden Valley, explained the steps Golden Valley has taken to accommodate electric vehicles (1:17:41). Rahman, Himmer, Scharffbillig, and Goellner then participated in a panel question and answer panel (1:29:22).
Larry Herke Director, Office of Enterprise Sustainability, State of Minnesota, discussed the Minnesota’s state EV goals, and various purchasing opportunities available through the MN Department of administration (1:33:24). Fran Crotty then offers a review of the positive impact these state contract EVs have on the environment and human health(1:44:04). If you would like to learn more, The Minnesota Department of Health offers a variety of resources on traffic patterns and their impact on air quality. The workshop closed with a presentation from Mike Domin Contract Administrator, NJPA, on what NJPA can do to help connect communities with high quality EV and EV infrastructure vendors.
Learn more about NJPA and its recommended EV vendors, and Zenith Motors.
For more information about EVs and their greenhouse gas impact, current EV models, and answers to frequently asked question wisit DriveElectricMN.org.
