On March 13^th, C2ES held a panel discussion in Washington, DC titled “Electric Vehicles Plugging into the U.S. Grid.” The panel addressed the opportunities and challenges surrounding broad roll-out of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).

A key point of discussion was the need for harmonization between the auto industry, utilities, and government so as to optimize the electric grid as PEVs become a larger proportion of the vehicle fleet. Another key point was the need for consumers that are well-educated on PEVs.

What’s keeping PEVs, and other alternative fuel cars, from breaking into the market? Is it simply a lack of educated consumers and multi-stakeholder collaboration? What are the benefits and costs, national and local, of a robust alternative transportation fleet? Is it the proper role of federal, state and/or local government to encourage greater uptake of alternative automotive technologies?