The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) advanced regional electric vehicle planning on September 14 by joining the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), an industry association of vehicle and equipment manufacturers, energy providers, component suppliers and end users.  Through its membership in EDTA, COG will have access to national and international experts in electric drive technology as well as information on technology developments and updates on legislative action.

EDTA is the preeminent association supporting the sustainable commercialization of all electric drive transportation technologies by providing in-depth information, public policy advocacy, education, industry networking and international conferences and exhibitions.  More information about EDTA can be found at www.electricdrive.org.  For information about owning and operating an electric vehicle, please visit www.goelectricdrive.com.

In addition to EDTA, COG is working with area Clean Cities Programs, state transportation agencies, electric utilities, and equipment manufacturers to develop a deployment plan for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure in the metropolitan Washington region.  This planning will address state-specific conditions in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia that will require unique implementation policies due to differences in local government land-use and zoning as well as utility laws and regulations.

The current initiative resulted from an April 2011 forum at COG, which convened representatives from local governments, utilities, and electric vehicle suppliers to discuss how the region can plan for and encourage the use of electric vehicles.