Electric Vehicle Symposium 2012

LOS ANGELES--The World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA) today presented the City of Los Angeles with an E-Visionary Award at the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26). Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa accepted the award on behalf of the city.

"WEVA recognizes leaders as E-Visionaries for their strong support of clean, efficient and sustainable modes of transportation, and for making electric drive a reality in the everyday lives of their citizens," said Brian Wynne, president of WEVA and the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), the U.S. association hosting EVS26. "As an E-Visionary award recipient, Los Angeles is a prime example for other global communities to emulate."

"I am honored to accept the E-Visionary Award on behalf of the City of Los Angeles," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "Los Angeles aims to lead the nation in cleaner, greener transportation solutions and promoting electric vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure, and use are vital parts of that effort."

In addition to serving as the hosting City for EVS26, Los Angeles has committed the City to furthering the development and adoption of electric drive technology:

*The City is upgrading more than 100 charging stations to provide faster charging to area EV drivers.

*The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the largest municipal utility in the country, offers electric car customers rebates of up to $2,000 on home charging systems and has determined time-of-use prices for charging electric cars during off-peak hours.

*The City offers a two and a half cent per kilowatt-hour discount for off-peak hour charging.

*Los Angeles is working to educate consumers about electric drive: the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has created a toll-free phone number that customers can call for more information about electric vehicles and charging.

*The L.A. Department of Building and Safety demonstrated national leadership by developing and implementing EV-ready building codes for all new construction in Los Angeles. As of January 1, 2011, all single-family residences, multi-family dwellings, and commercial properties constructed in the City of Los Angeles will have EV-specific requirements.

*The Mayor's Office has supported the growth of the top EV companies in Los Angeles such as CODA Auto
motive, BYD, and Boulder EV.

*In January, 2011, Los Angeles and Shanghai agreed to be Partner Cities by sharing best practices from their respective EV demonstration programs.

*In March, 2011, the Mayor's Office proposed a Zero-Emission Bus pilot program to the Los Angeles Transportation Authority (Metro). In February, 2012, Metro released a request for proposals (RFP) for up to 30 Super Low Emission Buses (SLEBs) and/or Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) as part of a pilot program to evaluate burgeoning technologies for LA's future bus fleet.

*The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in partnership with the City of Los Angeles has established the Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator (LACI), fostering emerging EV startups such as 350Green, Gridtest Systems, CA Lithium Battery, and DB New Energy.

E-Visionary recipients have placed high expectations on electric drive technology regarding investment, performance and their recognition of the advantages that electrification provides. The honorees have worked tremendously to ensure that their communities thrive, while also leaving a much lighter ‘footprint' on the environment. Each winner of this award has demonstrated long-term thought and concern for the health of their community by choosing electric drive as a means to achieve better air quality and increased fuel economy for their fleets. Los Angeles also won this award in 2003.

About EDTA: The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the preeminent trade association representing battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. EDTA conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and international conferences. EDTA's membership includes vehicle and equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, government agencies and others. For more information about EDTA and its members, visit ElectricDrive.org. For information about owning and operating electric vehicles, please visit GoElectricDrive.com.