Analysis: How Demand Charges Impact Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Infrastructure

July 31, 2019 in Energy Systems, Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Authors: Dane McFarlane, Matt Prorok

A direct current fast charger

GPI recently released a white paper analyzing the economics of direct current fast charging (DCFC) as part of our work with the Midcontinent Transportation Electrification Collaborative (MTEC). DCFC stations are critical for widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) because they provide access to much faster battery charging in public places and along major driving routes and highways. The white paper focused on a specific barrier to increased DCFC stations in the region: electric utility demand charges.  Continue reading »

Behind the Wheel: GPI Electric Vehicle Drivers Share Their Experience on Public Radio

June 19, 2019 in News & Press Author: Gail Nosek

Katelyn Bocklund, Abby Finis, and Trevor Drake

Many of our Great Plains Institute (GPI) staffers have become owners of fully-electric vehicles in recent years. Over the last several months, Minnesota Public Radio shared their stories on air. While there are some common threads in their electric vehicle (EV) experiences, some of the differences might surprise you. Read more below and click the links to hear the audio. Continue reading »

Legislative Outcome on Electric Vehicles in Minnesota—Going Forward by Not Going Backward

June 11, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan

Two people talking about electric vehicles in view of the Minnesota State Capitol

We communicated a great deal about electric vehicle (EV) bills in the Minnesota legislature this year given their potential to shape the trajectory of EV adoption in the state. Some of the proposals would have increased EV adoption and infrastructure while others would have put up barriers. Minnesota’s legislature officially adjourned on May 20 and then completed its work in a short special session a few days later. So, what happened on EVs?  Continue reading »

Electrifying the Family Road Trip

June 10, 2019 in Energy Systems, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek

Two kids playing in front of a charging tesla

The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects 100 million Americans and more than 50 percent of families to pack up the car for a road trip this summer (even more than last year). 

In Minnesota, the popular trip ‘Up North’ to Lake Superior is the first to go fully electric with the Interstate 35 corridor now boasting enough chargers to power any electric vehicle (EV) from the Twin Cities to Duluth. Historic Highway 61, made famous by Bob Dylan’s acoustics, is also now electrified with chargers located near popular recreational and historic stops.  Continue reading »

Why Electric Vehicle Taxes Are the Wrong Strategy for Minnesota

May 8, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan

Minnesota Capitol

Minnesota lawmakers are considering additional new taxes and fees to electric vehicle (EV) owners. If passed as written, Minnesota would have the highest EV taxes in the US. Currently, the state assesses a special $75 annual tax that is only paid by owners of fully-electric vehicles. A bill by Senator Jeff Howe proposed to raise this tax to $250 per year and add a new tax of $125 for hybrid vehicles. Continue reading »

The EV-olution Comes to Minnesota Communities

May 7, 2019 in Communities, Transportation & Fuels Author: Diana McKeown

A brainstorming session at EV-olutionEarlier this spring, 100 electric vehicle (EV) stakeholders gathered for a day-long event, “EV-olution: Charging Ahead with Electric Vehicles in Minnesota Communities,” held at the at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. The event brought together people from 35 cities, state agencies, all of Minnesota major electric utilities, and nonprofits working in the EV space to accelerate the transition to an electrified transportation system. Continue reading »

Minnesota’s Legislature at a Crossroads – Accelerate the Benefits of Electric Vehicles in the State or Hit the Brakes

April 16, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan

A low angle photo of a rural road

Minnesota’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) industry is at an important pivot point. After years of effort by many people and organizations, the conditions are right for growth in EV adoption with the numerous economic and clean air benefits that come with it. This is an update on the status of EV proposals currently in play at the Minnesota Legislature. Continue reading »

Key Findings on Transportation Electrification from the Road Map to Decarbonization in the Midcontinent

April 2, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Authors: Brendan Jordan, Franz Litz

A view of a rural highway from aboveElectric vehicles (EVs) are an essential part of the effort to decarbonize the transportation sector by midcentury. Recently, a diverse coalition of stakeholders released analysis, findings, and recommendations on how to accelerate EV adoption in “A Road Map to Decarbonization in the Midcontinent: Transportation Electrification.” This post highlights the findings from the road map, which were developed to help inform decision-making by state and local leaders, policy makers and private sector actors. Continue reading »

Ride-Sharing with Electric Vehicles Brings Benefits to Drivers and Consumers

January 17, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Joe Cella

An electric vehicle ridesharing car, charginggThis is an exciting time in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Tesla just posted a profit for the first time, Volkswagen is helping to build up charging infrastructure across North America, and many other auto manufacturers are committing to an EV future. EVs are gaining traction and slowly transforming car-based mobility in the United States. And here in the central US, momentum is growing with collaborative efforts to drive EV adoption and infrastructure development. Continue reading »