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Plug-In Ready Michigan Plan Released to Help Prepare State For Influx Of EVs

ANN ARBOR -- The Clean Energy Coalition, NextEnergy, and Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities Monday released Plug-In Ready Michigan, a roadmap to help the state's municipal leaders, consumers, and private companies prepare for increased plug-in electric vehicle use.

The plan -- created with input from more than 40 stakeholders, including Michigan municipalities, automotive manufacturers, utility providers, and nonprofit organizations -- is now available for download on Clean Energy Coalition's website at cec-mi.org/plugin.

Plug-In Ready Michigan explores the opportunities and issues related to PEV readiness and the considerations necessary for PEV infrastructure planning. With the ultimate goal of simplifying the process of PEV charging infrastructure implementation, the plan is divided into two sections:
* The narrative provides an overview of the existing conditions and key findings related to PEV infrastructure in Michigan.
* The toolkit offers PEV fundamentals and examples of best practices based on the experience of several Michigan cities that have already begun developing networks of charging stations.

According to Pike Research, the state of Michigan is expected to rank 7th in PEV sales through 2020, and conditions are favorable for the state to continue as a PEV leader. Factors that contribute to Michigan's high adoption rate include its proximity to the automotive industry; rising gasoline prices, which will continue to drive demand for fuel-efficient vehicles; and strong government investments in PEV technology. Greater availability of PEV options is also a factor. In fact, nearly every major American, European, and Asian auto manufacturer either already has or will soon introduce at least one PEV model.

Production of Plug-In Ready Michigan was managed by Clean Energy Coalition, in partnership with NextEnergy and Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities. OHM, Governing Dynamic, and Pike Research provided consulting services. Development of the plan was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Clean Cities program. Michigan was one of 16 locations granted funding to create a PEV preparedness plan.

Clean Energy Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting clean energy technologies as a way to create healthier, energy-independent communities. Since 2005, Clean Energy Coalition has implemented, managed, and evaluated cost-effective, market transformation projects and programs in the building and transportation sectors valued at more than $60 million. More at cec-mi.org.

Founded in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, NextEnergy is headquartered in Midtown Detroit's innovation corridor and serves to accelerate energy security, economic competitiveness and environmental responsibility through the growth of advanced-energy technologies, businesses and industries. Since its inception, NextEnergy has helped attract more than $1 billion of new investment in the state of Michigan, including programs in excess of $150 million in which NextEnergy has directly participated. For more information, visit nextenergy.org.

Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities is a non-profit organization working to achieve cleaner air and energy security in mid-Michigan through alternative fuel and vehicle usage, and fuel economy practices. For more information, visit http://michigancleancities.org.

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