Electric vehicles can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% to 75% compared with conventional gasoline-powered cars. Several automakers including GM and Toyota plan to roll out plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the next two years while Nissan has announced the availability of full battery electric vehicles in late 2010. Widespread market penetration of electric vehicles and battery dominant hybrids requires addressing issues that include availability of recharging stations, capacity of the electric grid and consumer understanding and acceptance of the new technology. Just how is this accomplished in a dense urban environment? This panel discussion will explore these practical issues for electric vehicle introduction in New York City.

Moderator:

Bruce Schaller, Deputy Comissioner for Planning and Sustainability, New York City Department of Transportation

Panelists:

• Britta Gross, Director, Global Energy Systems & Infrastructure Commercialization, R&D and Strategic Planning, General Motors
• Neal Parikh, Senior Policy Advisor on Transportation, New York City Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability
• Mike Ligett, Director, Emerging Technology, Progress Energy