Electric Vehicles
Coming to Arizona

The electric vehicle (EV) is coming, and Arizona is one of 17 states that will piloting new vehicles, with test programs in Phoenix and Tucson currently under way.

With rising concerns about the price of oil due to political unrest across oil producing countries, there is increasing interest in alternative sources of fuel to power our automobiles. Currently America spends one billion dollars a day on foreign oil. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, rely solely on energy produced in the U.S., creating jobs at home.

Arizona SmartPower supports the growth of electric vehicles as an opportunity to reduce pollution as well as our reliance on fossil fuels and foreign oil. With major automobile manufacturers launching EV models in 2011, we should expect to see a rise in interest and debate. Electric Vehicles can only succeed when an adequate system of charging stations is made available across the state. Currently EV’s can travel approximately 100 miles before refueling, which makes them well suited as a commuter vehicle, but not recommended for longer travel.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer asked Arizona SmartPower to facilitate a stakeholder process to advance understanding of the opportunities and barriers that electric vehicles face in Arizona. We have invited a diverse group representing a wide array of organizations to participate, including the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Valley Forward, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, all three major state universities (ASU, UofA, NAU), the Sierra Club, the Governor’s energy policy advisor, Arizona Auto Dealers Association, several municipalities and multiple consumer advocacy groups to participate in this series of discussions. Please contact us to learn more about the EV Stakeholder group.

To learn more please email Toni Bouchard or call 480-219-4395