Posted by admin in Climate Change, Green Companies | 0 Comments
Coalition says electric cars are answer to oil love affair
The Electrification Coalition, comprised of energy companies and automakers, said today the electric vehicle will be the answer to the country’s dependence on oil.
The group has stated that its goal is to get 75 percent of miles driven here to be fueled by electricity by 2040.
The group includes Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer of Nissan Motor Company; David W. Crane, president and chief executive officer of NRG Energy; and Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corporation.
As its first official act as nonpartisan, non-profit, the coalition released its Electrification Roadmap¸ a report detailing the dangers of oil dependence, explaining the benefits of electrification, describing the challenges facing electric cars and providing specific policy proposals to overcome those challenges.
“It is time for business leaders and policymakers alike to step up,” Smith said in a press release. “Our unrelenting dependence on oil has threatened our nation for too long. Up to now, electrification seemed like a pipe dream. But we are offering a realistic, practical, achievable plan to build a transportation system that will enhance our national security, propel economic growth, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”
One major roadblock will be getting the general public to accept a major shift away from oil to electricity as a means to getting around. Price and the reliability of the U.S. electric grid are also issues.
“The first electric vehicles will be delivered in 12 months,” Ghosn said. “The widespread acceptance of zero emission cars will require more than the efforts automakers can provide on their own. Public and private collaboration will be the key to mainstream acceptance.”
In order to reach the goal, the number of vehicles that run on electricity will have to jump from 1.3 million today to 250 million during the next three decades, according to the coalition.
It suggests targeting certain large cities first, rather than going nationwide, starting with large companies and local governments.
Electric-run vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas-fueled cars. Backers say this could help fight global warming.
Members of the Electrification Coalition:
Timothy E. Conver, Chairman, President & CEO, AeroVironment, Inc.
Peter L. Corsell, CEO, GridPoint, Inc.
David W. Crane, President & CEO, NRG Energy, Inc.
Kevin Czinger, President & CEO, Coda Automotive
Peter A. Darbee, Chairman, CEO & President, PG&E Corporation
Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman & CEO, Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Carlos Ghosn, President & CEO, Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
Ray Lane, Managing Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
Richard Lowenthal, Founder & CEO, Coulomb Technologies, Inc.
Alex A. Molinaroli, Chairman, Johnson Controls-Saft and President, Johnson Controls Power Solutions
Reuben Munger, Chairman, Bright Automotive, Inc.
Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President & CEO, FedEx Corporation
David P. Vieau, President & CEO, A123 Systems, Inc.
