EV: Ready or Not

Length 7:43

Created 10.01.10

Air Date 10.03.10

*Why the first EV revolution went bust.

*What's different this time?

*How will it play out in different parts of the country?

The electric vehicle revolution: It's not as new as you might think.

As early as the 1990s, major auto makers were out with production model electric vehicles, like Toyota's electric RAV4 and General Motors' ev1, but they never made it to prime time.

In EV: Ready or Not! energyNOW's Lee Patrick Sullivan shows us why the first EV revolution fizzled out: A lack of infrastructure and too many different charging systems.

This time around, thousands of charging stations are planned in many cities -- all with standardized technology that allows users from Manhattan to the Golden Gate to plug in the same way.

He also visits three areas of the country with unique challenges to implementing EV technology: San Francisco, Indianapolis and its rural surroundings, and New York City. He talks to drivers and city officials about what needs to happen to make the next EV revolution a success.

Extras

The Fight for the EV

Paul Scott gives Lee Patrick a history of his fight to keep his EV.

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Indianapolis Infrastructure: EVs Still Face Challenges in Rural Life.

Lee Patrick Sullivan interviews Sally Smiley of Franklin, Ind., on how she feels about electric vehicles, their range and their costs.

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Mitchell Explains EV Charger

Lee Patrick Sullivan interviews Paul Mitchell, CEO of Energy System Network of Indiana, on electric car charging infrastructure and different levels of electric vehicle plugs.

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