VTCCC Releases PEV Readiness Findings Report

The overall purpose and goals of this project were to disseminate information, create dialogue, and build capacity among targeted groups of stakeholders who are vital for the mass deployment of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in Vermont. Full Report

VTCCC Hosts EV Owners Luncheon

On August 13, 2012 eight electric vehicle owners from Vermont came together at Healthy Living Market and Cafe in South Burlington for a luncheon held by the Vermont Clean Cities Coalition (VTCCC). On hand were the owners of four Chevy Volts, two Teslas, one converted motorcycle, and one converted sedan. Also in attendance at the luncheon was Karin McNeil from the state's Public Service Department, Don Lorriane from Green Mountain Power, and three VTCCC staff members.

The vehicles were all parked in front of the EV charging station unveiled by Healthy Living and Green Mountain Power in October, 2011. The event showcased the fact that plug-in electric vehicles are on the road in Vermont and that the need for public charging stations is increasing. Nationwide, sales of PEVs in their first year of availability have outsold sales of hybrid vehicles during their first year of availability.

Electric Vehicle Safety Training for Vermont First Responders

TRC's Vermont Clean Cities Coordinator Tom McGrath helped initiate and coordinate an electric vehicle (EV) safety training course March 3, 2012 at the Vermont Fire Academy. Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the training was designed to educate firefighters on proper response methods when called to a crash or fire involving hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, and all-electric vehicles. TRC's plug-in hybrid vehicle "Spark" accompanied McGrath to the training. Forty two first responders from across the state attended this program.

Spark, the UVM TRC's converted plug-in Prius was donated by Central Vermont Public Service. Other display vehicles included a new Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius, provided by Alderman's Chevrolet and Toyota Scion. The program was covered by WCAX in an extensive TV piece and in the NFPA news.

The Vermont Clean Cities Coalition, housed at the TRC, is currently part of a ten-state EV planning grant sponsored by the US Department of Energy. The work aims to streamline procedures and outreach efforts in order to prepare the northeast for mass EV deployment. EV-related work has been a focus at the TRC.

EV Charging Station at Healthy Living Market

The South Burlington Network News from Tuttle Middle School produced this segment for the recent EV charging station unveiling. Read more about the charging station.

Clean Cities TV video

VTCCC visited State Line Farm where John Williamson grows his own oilseed crops to make his own biodiesel. See the VTCCC video about State Line Farm at www.cleancities.tv

EV Handbook

Eco-driving workshops

Provide hands-on training in proven energy-reduction strategies by encouraging more fuel-efficient driving and less idling. Eco-driving...

- saves local governments and individual drivers money;

- gets immediate GHG reductions; and

- costs little to implement.

Workshop participants will learn dozens of methods for cutting back on fuel consumption- reducing their carbon footprint, and saving money at the same time. Small changes in driving habits- such as avoiding "jackrabbit" starts and stops, keeping tires properly inflated, and removing excess weight from a vehicle- can greatly decrease the amount of fuel used. When more drivers follow eco-driving practices, roads are safer and less stressful.

Schedule an Eco-Driving Workshop in your community or at your business! Call Tom McGrath at 802-656-9864 or email tmcgrath@uvm.edu

Find out more about these Clean Cities programs, or schedule a workshop, by contacting Tom McGrath at tmcgrath@uvm.edu or call 802-656-9864.