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Harrisburg Ride & Drive Event Gives Public Hands-On Experience With Electric, Hybrid Vehicles

On October 23, the Drive Electric PA Coalition joined the interagency GreenGov Council to showcase electric and hybrid vehicles that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and preserve the environment during a Ride & Drive Event at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg.

“Hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles increase energy efficiency, improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs and reduce emissions,” said Department of General Services Secretary Curt Topper. “Through green government performance goals set by Governor Wolf, the Commonwealth has begun the process of replacing 25-percent, or 500-plus vehicles, of our passenger fleet with electric or hybrid plug-in vehicles by 2025. Our strategy is to replace at least 100 vehicles each year to get to that goal.”

The event featured more than 20 exhibitors from the public and private sectors to demonstrate electric vehicle technology. Test-drive vehicles included models from Tesla, GM and Nissan.

During a press conference, representatives of the GreenGov Council-- the departments of General Services, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources-- along with PennDOT discussed the future of electric vehicles and efforts to increase the use the technology and expand the supporting infrastructure in Pennsylvania.

“To slow climate change and improve our air quality, DEP is committed to steering Pennsylvania toward a future of electric transportation,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, “DEP is providing the most funding for electric vehicle and charging projects in the state, coordinating development of a statewide strategy to increase EV adoption, partnering on consumer education efforts, and leading by example as a state agency. And we’ll continue to develop new ways to increase EV use.”

“As Pennsylvania’s conservation agency, DCNR is demonstrating our commitment to electric and hybrid vehicles in several ways,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary for Administration Michael Walsh. “We’re replacing fossil fuel vehicles with EVs, and we’re installing EV charging stations at 43 state parks and forests. The impacts of this work not only protects our environment, but provides benefits to all who visit our public lands, and the taxpayers of the Commonwealth.”

“PennDOT is proud to be part of the conversation around sustainability and transportation,” said PennDOT Policy Specialist Ngani Ndimbie. “As a department, we continue to find ways to reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions, and we’re proud to partner with other agencies to support sustainable transportation in Pennsylvania.”

The Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition includes public and private sector partners and other interested stakeholders.

Its mission is to educate consumers, fleet managers, and government decision makers about the benefits of electric vehicle, the increasing availability of electric vehicle models, and the capabilities of the technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce Pennsylvania’s dependence on petroleum fuel.

Click Here for more information on plans to increase the number of electric vehicles used in Pennsylvania.

EV Grants/Rebates

Here are upcoming deadlines for grants and rebates for electric vehicles--

December 13-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Vehicle Grants

December 16-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

December 31-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates

NewsClips:

Click Here to read this week’s PA Environment & Energy NewsClips

Related Articles This Week:

Agenda Added: House Environmental Committee To Hold Oct. 28 Hearing On Pennsylvania CO2 And Climate

House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing Nov. 1 On Climate Change/RGGI In Delaware County

PA Conservative Energy Forum Urges Senate Republican Policy Committee To Embrace Clean & Renewable Energy