2.3. ERMUSR 09-10-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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knowledge we acquired by participating in this grant. We are able to work closely with our customers through engagement initiatives such as a YMCA lunch and learn drive event, an electric vehicle charger grand opening, and National Drive Electric Week participation.These events to promote electric vehicles have greatly increased the recognition of our community as an environmental leader by individuals and organizations throughout the state of Minnesota. Partnerships Beyond Our Community The use of EVs is bigger than any one organization, utility, or state. Partnerships and collaborative working groups are needed to expand the EV charging infrastructure. The top priority is to develop consumer confidence by decreasing range anxiety.To decrease range anxiety, there needs to be more access to infrastructure with 50 kW or higher charging capability.The range of the all-electric vehicles continues to improve, but without the ability to drive anywhere with the confidence of finding a charging station, customers are still going to have to have an internal combustion engine in their personal fleet that will allow for longer, more flexible trips that are not on a major charging corridor with readily available access to DC Fast Chargers. As early supporters of electric vehicles, Elk River Municipal Utilities and the City of Elk River have become statewide advocates of and experts in rolling out electric vehicle programs. ERMU and City staff shared their experiences with in-home programs, Time-of-Use rates, public charging site locations, EV Suitability Assessments, and implementing EVs in city and utility fleets with many groups, which was a huge benefit to all EV programs in the state. This knowledge was shared with primarily two types of organizations: policy or advocacy groups and utility-focused groups. The policy/advocacy groups focused on the larger picture of societal changes and support. Their goals are to increase awareness of the environmental benefits such as greenhouse gas reductions and better air quality through the adoption of new technology. ERMU and the City have developed working relationships with many of these groups, including the League of Minnesota Cities, Climate Smart Municipals, Clean Energy Resource Team (University of Minnesota), the Center for Energy and the Environment, Great Plains Institute, and the American Lung Association. The electric utility group of EV supporters primarily focused on the delivery of infrastructure to end-use customers. These groups include the Minnesota Municipal Utility Association, Xcel Energy, Great River Energy, Connexus Energy, Dakota Electric Association, the Center for Energy and Environment, Minnesota Public Utilities, Minnesota Department of Commerce, and Plugin Connect. 23 62