E-mobility in the US: Success depends on cities
E-mobility in the US: Success depends on cities
Starting by the end of 2010 the first wave of electric vehicles is upon the USA and hits specific, well-known areas where, for a number of reasons, readiness and appetite is highest (e.g. LA, San Francisco). Some cities in America have been preparing for many years, but plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) will affect the entire country relatively quickly. The path of the subsequent nationwide rollout of PEVs will be driven by the city readiness and charging infrastructure. The good news is that, in recent months, the road map to e-mobility has become clearer and shorter, thanks to pioneer cities. So it is not too late for cities to prepare to join the next, higher volume waves of PEVs. These are the main findings of the joint study "PEV Readiness Study – Electric Vehicles in America" by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and Rocky Mountain Institute. The cities with the highest current readiness for PEVs are San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
"Getting ready is not just about building charging stations – electric vehicles need an entire ecosystem to succeed and fully deliver potential economic and environmental benefits. Cities are essential to this development – in the US as well as in Europe. Cities deliver facilitation, planning, and coordination of stakeholders from utilities to automakers, a supportive regulatory and operating environment, and ultimately, consumer readiness. While some US cities have adopted supportive policies, no city can truly be considered "ready" – only when PEVs really hit the roads over the next year or so will the actual needs and critical issues become apparent. In the meantime, and given their crucial role, cities should focus on: developing robust plans, engaging and partnering with stakeholders, facilitating permitting, offering a mix of also non-financial incentives, and educating consumers.
Further development not clear
Cities that prepare and "get ready", while facing considerable challenges and uncertainty, stand to attract federal funds, build a "green" reputation, and participate in the early waves of PEVs, since automakers will concentrate scarce EV allocations on them. Even cities that are not leaders or pioneers can benefit from proper planning, by avoiding misdirect investments, permit and registration confusion and delays, or disappointed drivers. Otherwise, they risk facing disaffected citizens or decreased ability to cut GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, adminst a haphazard e-mobility rollout.
Results also valid for Europe
The study's results show clearly that e-mobility has developed to a global topic. Currently the groundwork for transition towards a new era of mobility is made. In the United States as well as Europe a "get a first taste" into e-mobility is only feasible in selected model regions and field trials. For a broad rollout cost structures and components such as batteries have to be improved substantially. But without the contribution and participation of all stakeholders, PEVs will fall short in achieving their full potential.
Starting by the end of 2010 the first wave of electric vehicles is upon the USA and hits specific, well-known areas where, for a number of reasons, readiness and appetite is highest (e.g. LA, San Francisco). Some cities in America have been preparing for many years, but plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) will affect the entire country relatively quickly. The path of the subsequent nationwide rollout of PEVs will be driven by the city readiness and charging infrastructure. The good news is that, in recent months, the road map to e-mobility has become clearer and shorter, thanks to pioneer cities. So it is not too late for cities to prepare to join the next, higher volume waves of PEVs. These are the main findings of the joint study "PEV Readiness Study – Electric Vehicles in America" by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and Rocky Mountain Institute. The cities with the highest current readiness for PEVs are San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
"Getting ready is not just about building charging stations – electric vehicles need an entire ecosystem to succeed and fully deliver potential economic and environmental benefits. Cities are essential to this development – in the US as well as in Europe. Cities deliver facilitation, planning, and coordination of stakeholders from utilities to automakers, a supportive regulatory and operating environment, and ultimately, consumer readiness. While some US cities have adopted supportive policies, no city can truly be considered "ready" – only when PEVs really hit the roads over the next year or so will the actual needs and critical issues become apparent. In the meantime, and given their crucial role, cities should focus on: developing robust plans, engaging and partnering with stakeholders, facilitating permitting, offering a mix of also non-financial incentives, and educating consumers.
Further development not clear
Cities that prepare and "get ready", while facing considerable challenges and uncertainty, stand to attract federal funds, build a "green" reputation, and participate in the early waves of PEVs, since automakers will concentrate scarce EV allocations on them. Even cities that are not leaders or pioneers can benefit from proper planning, by avoiding misdirect investments, permit and registration confusion and delays, or disappointed drivers. Otherwise, they risk facing disaffected citizens or decreased ability to cut GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, adminst a haphazard e-mobility rollout.
Results also valid for Europe
The study's results show clearly that e-mobility has developed to a global topic. Currently the groundwork for transition towards a new era of mobility is made. In the United States as well as Europe a "get a first taste" into e-mobility is only feasible in selected model regions and field trials. For a broad rollout cost structures and components such as batteries have to be improved substantially. But without the contribution and participation of all stakeholders, PEVs will fall short in achieving their full potential.
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