Electric Vehicles in a Midwestern Clean Fuels Policy

November 10, 2020 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Hannah Haas

Webinar: Benefits for Electric Vehicles in a Midwestern Clean Fuels Policy

As part of the Great Plains Institute’s work to develop a Midwestern clean fuels policy, we are hosting webinars that focus on clean fuels on the market today and how those industries could benefit from a regional policy. The first two webinars, available to watch below, brought together leading experts to discuss electricity for electric vehicles (EVs) and how a clean fuels policy could drive transportation electrification in the Midwest. Our speakers covered existing clean fuels policies, how the EV industry has benefited from those policies, and how a Midwestern policy would support adoption of EVs for different use cases. Continue reading »

Solar Power Plus Electric Vehicle Charging: Capturing Synergies in Minnesota

October 13, 2020 in Renewable Energy, Transportation & Fuels Author: Brian Ross

electric vehicle charger

A new report lays out how Minnesota can link solar power with electric vehicle (EV) charging and enable the state to maximize both technologies’ broad benefits. Leading a project team that included utilities, EV and solar industries, local governments, state agencies, and clean energy advocates, the Great Plains Institute developed the report on capturing the synergies that can be realized through solar plus EV applications. The report presents the detailed case for solar plus EV synergies, the barriers and opportunities for capturing them, and the needed next steps for a market transformation effort.

Continue reading »

As the Center Goes, So Goes the Country

September 23, 2020 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom

As the Center Goes, So Goes the Country

Dear Better Energy Community,

While so much is uncertain in our country right now, I am sure of one thing; Midwestern and Gulf Coast states are essential to the economic recovery in the US.

The recovery is even more challenging with an already devastating hurricane season on the Gulf Coast, destructive wind storms in Iowa, and wildfires in the west. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by these disasters. It has added even more urgency to our already urgent work.
Continue reading »

2020 Minnesota Legislative Session Preview: Electric Vehicles

January 18, 2020 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan

A view of the Minnesota State Capitol in the evening

The 2020 Minnesota legislative session is right around the corner, and Drive Electric Minnesota is ready to continue supporting a policy and regulatory landscape that drives electric vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure. With that, I want to share a 2020 Minnesota legislative preview for Drive Electric Minnesota’s policy and regulatory positions and some quick thoughts about how accomplishments in 2019 set the stage for this year. Continue reading »

Pilot Project Gets Solar Panels in Sync with Electric Vehicle Chargers

January 9, 2020 in Energy Systems, Transportation & Fuels Author: Maggie Kristian

What if we could harness the energy produced by the sun and maximize its potential to power electric vehicles (EVs) with zero-carbon electricity? That’s exactly what GPI has been working on in a pilot project that studies how managed EV charging can pull varying levels of power from the solar panels on our rooftop based on how much solar is being produced at a given time. This ability to use “solar synchronization” could have big implications for reducing carbon emissions in both the electricity and transportation sectors, and presents potential benefits for consumers and businesses alike. Continue reading »

Top Ten Stories of 2019

December 30, 2019 in News & Press Author: Jennifer Christensen

The US capitol

Over the past year, we’ve shared stories, news, and publications about how we’re making progress toward our mission of transforming the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. We’re energized by the progress we’ve made together with you and our many collaborators, partners, and colleagues and look forward to the year ahead.

Continue reading »

New Data Shows Minnesotans Going All-In on Electric Vehicles

December 18, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Authors: Elizabeth Abramson, Jessi Wyatt

A blue electric vehicle, charging.

Electric vehicle (EV) deployment is ramping up across Minnesota. New data from 2019 (which you can explore in a previous blog post) shows that EV deployment hit new records throughout the state. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, the number of EV registrations in Minnesota has almost doubled. With declining vehicle costs, expanding EV infrastructure, and growing consumer preference for climate-friendly products, EV growth in Minnesota shows no signs of slowing down. The statewide EV map further helps spotlight that EVs are not only a phenomenon in urban areas. In fact, there is only one county of the 87 in the state that does not have at least one EV registered.
Continue reading »