An electric future: Council promotes next-generation hybrid vehicles

February 9, 2009

Summary

More charging stations with a standardized charging system urged for the region.

Story

King County has taken the lead to promote the growth of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles on the Eastside and across the county. A wider network of charging stations using a standardized charging system would help continue the growth of the next generation of hybrid electric vehicles, according to a report endorsed today by the Metropolitan King County Council that advances the County’s leadership in promoting the use of this clean technology.

“This report shows that by advancing the availability of plug-in hybrid technology we can greatly reduce our carbon footprint and spur our economy,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, co-sponsor of the motion calling for the report. “Now is the time to act to make this technology widely available so that King County will continue to be a leader as we move towards a cleaner, electric future.”

“I know firsthand from participating in King County’s electric vehicle demonstration project that having wider access to recharging stations will make driving an electric vehicle more attractive in King County,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, who drove a demonstration plug-in electric hybrid for eight months and co-sponsored the motion calling for the report. “Leading the way with electric vehicle charging stations at King County park and rides shows consumers and the auto industry that now is the time to embrace clean car technologies, and that’s the right move for our economy, our environment, and our national security.”

The Council today endorsed the King County Electric Vehicle Report as the guiding document for implementing actions to accommodate the next generation of hybrids called Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The Council requested the study last year to find ways to reduce the county’s carbon footprint and assist in a new wave of transportation options.

Unlike existing gas-electric hybrids like the Toyota Prius, PHEVs have a much larger electric storage capacity that enables the cars to run much longer using less fuel. The power for BEVs is supplied by batteries that need regular recharging.

While manufacturers are starting to consider the technology as mainstream, the report suggests there are still challenges in regard to the standards that will be used for the equipment that charges the vehicles. As part of the PHEV stakeholder advisory group, a regional cooperative that includes King County along with local cities, agencies and electric utilities throughout Puget Sound, the report encourages the County and its partners to work to provide a wider network of charging locations to help extend the driving range of these vehicles. The report also identifies issues relating to development by the industry of a standardized charging system, such as the use of the standard 3-prong grounded plug that is used on most home appliances.

“We can encourage the use of plug-in vehicles by creating more charging stations and by establishing a single standard for charging equipment,” said Council Chair Dow Constantine. “By showing leadership now, King County can greatly aid in implementing this clean transportation technology throughout the region.”

King County Metro’s Plug & Ride program has already taken the lead in growing the plug-in vehicle market by providing 14 outlets at the Issaquah Highlands Park and Ride lot and 3 at Eastgate. An additional 12 outlets are scheduled to come online in June with the completion of the Redmond Park and Ride lot. Charging stations are also planned for the Burien Transit Center and the Brickyard Park and Ride. The County has created a Web site where plug-in owners can find locations at County Park and Rides where charging stations are available and can be reserved for use.

The report was produced by the King County Executive Office and the King County Department of Transportation, and is consistent with the King County Climate Change Plan and Energy Plan.

For more information on the County’s Plug in vehicle charging program,
go to: www.rideshareonline.com/electric

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at
http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov/legistarweb and type in “2008-0527”

Read the King County Electric Vehicle Report [Word doc]