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Clean Energy, Clean Fuels: Video Vault

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Electric Vehicles: Made in Michigan



The "Electric Vehicles: Connecting Michigan's Past and Future" report by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters explores the competitive edge Michigan holds over rest of North America in the electric vehicle industry and a the policy options available to Michigan's elected officials to increase it.

Michigan is at a crossroads. For over 100 years, it has been the center of the automotive industry, creating an empire and a heritage that successfully dominated the field. The recent decline in automotive jobs, however, paired with the continuing high unemployment rate in Michigan, all indicate that the state must diversify its economy and even its most famous industry. Electric vehicles present an ideal opportunity with remarkable benefits. Fortunately, Michigan is already well on its way in building the connection from its deep automotive past into its electrifying future.

Plug-in Ride & Drive



On a day when General Motors announced it was adding 4,000 jobs—driven in part because of demand for the Chevy Volt—state lawmakers got a chance to look under the hood to see how Michigan is doing in promoting electric vehicles.

Representatives from GM, Ford, Chrysler and the Michigan Public Service Commission were among those testifying Tuesday before the House Energy & Technology Committee.

Orjiakor Isiogu, Chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission said Michigan was better prepared than any other state in the country for electric cars, including cost incentives from utilities for home installation of charging units.

GM's Kristin Zimmerman said 500 Volts have been sold in Michigan since March and that the biggest challenge to electric vehicle sales is bringing the cost down for potential buyers.

Some of the steps that elected officials can take to encourage more electric vehicle business include:

Supporting U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's proposed legislation that would allow electric vehicle buyers to receive a direct rebate instead of a tax credit as well as the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act to encourage more electric vehicle research in Michigan;

Encouraging the state and cities to lease or buy electric vehicles for their fleets;

Providing financial incentives for the installation of public charging stations;

Implementing clean fuel standards that require an increasing percentage of electricity and other alternative fuels for powering vehicles within Michigan.

Support the EV Revolution



Watch this video to learn what decision-makers can do to maximize the electric car revolution's benefits for the state of Michigan.

Then, sign the petition to add your name to our Electric Vehicle petition, which urges Governor Snyder and our legislature to promote policies that support our emerging EV industry.

WNEM 5: Politician Pushing High Tech Autos

Former State Representative Lee Gonzales, from Gennesee County, says billions of dollars are being invested in this new battery technology, which will mean more jobs.

Video created by WNEM News Channel 5, http://www.wnem.com/video/22287095/index.html.

Michigan: Advanced Battery Capital of the World

Michigan is the proving ground for advanced cell, pack and related technologies, the global center of automotive research and development (R&D), and the one state positioned to lead the U.S. out of its dependence on foreign oil and become the advanced battery capital of the world.

Video created by Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Talkin' Biofuels with Jim

A conversation on sustainable biofuels. Jim Kleinschmit discusses the good, the bad and the possibilities of biofuels.