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The Chevy Volt buzz has been building since before 2007, and not all the news has been positive. There have been designs and redesigns, price changes, and unsettling news about the cost of the high-end battery pack. Then, there was a report from the Obama administration questioning the vehicle's commercial viability. Viable or not, Chevy has insisted on its commitment to producing the Volt and recently announced that the first models could be rolling off the assembly line by June 1, 2009.
Once the Chevy Volt is on the road, the burden of making it a success will fall, in many ways, onto the shoulders of consumers and communities across the country. Without an electric car infrastructure in place, these cars cannot survive.
Recently, we had a chance to catch up with Tony Posawatz, the Volt vehicle line director, at an "Eco Road Show" on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Mr. Posawatz explained some of the challenges communities face preparing for electric vehicles and what we can do to help.
He explained that General Motors is drawing from its experience building infrastructure for the EV1, hydrogen fuel, and flex-fuel vehicles, to help communities with plug-in ready initiatives. From getting utilities companies to provide plug-in facilities at the workplace, to modifying HOV lane rules to reward electric-vehicle drivers, the effort is far-reaching and complex.
Organization has emerged as one of the greatest challenges. Mr. Posawatz commented that, ultimately, a grassroots effort has the greatest potential to bring change in these communities but a lack of leadership sometimes limits the effectiveness of such campaigns. Finding funding has also been a challenge, but Mr. Posawatz added that "hopefully, with stimulus funding, we'll be able to break through this year before the Volt is launched."
Beyond funding, the biggest impediment to electric vehicle progress is consumer support and lack of sufficient local infrastructure. So, what can we do to help prepare our communities for the Chevy Volt or other electric vehicles? Mr. Posawatz has some simple advice: get involved.
More specifically, he suggests:
- Finding local community activists to see how you can lend a hand.
- Talking to your boss and coworkers to find out how many recharging stations will be installed at your workplace.
- Lobbying community leaders for preferential parking for electric and other green vehicles.
- Petitioning utility companies for free electricity during off-peak times while electric vehicles are building popularity.
In the end, it's about getting engaged. Auto manufacturers have, finally, done their part and made plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles available. Now, it is time for consumers to lead the charge, demand plug-in stations and other essential parts of the infrastructure be put in place, and work together to show that green transportation is necessary.
Read more about electric cars:
View & Vote: Rate These Green Cars
Why Do We Need More Electric Cars On the Road?
Build Your Own Electric Car: 5 Questions to Ask First
How Electric Cars and Hybrids Affect Your Health
Low-Speed Electric Vehicles Are Great & Available Today!
You Can Install an Electric Car Charger at Home
