Edison Electric Institute and the Department of Energy enter in a Partnership to Promote Electric Transportation

Today during their annual convention in New Orleans, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DoE), announced a private-public partnership to accelerate the adoption of electric transportation.

In a press release, EEI, an association which represents most U.S. electric companies, said the partnership will seek “a variety of joint actions—including research, infrastructure, and outreach programs—to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs.”

EEI President Tom Kuhn and Energy Secretary Moniz signed a memorandum of understanding outlining the collaboration.

EEI President Tom Kuhn on the partnership:

“The electric power industry is a tremendous leader in moving the electric transportation market forward, and we are excited to work with our federal partners to bring about the economic, environmental, and security benefits of transportation electrification. Transportation electrification benefits electric utility customers, while also bolstering America’s energy security and sustainability. These are priorities our industry shares with our government partners.”

EEI said they were adding more than 800 new plug-in vehicles to their fleet in 2015.

U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz on the announcement: 

“The U.S. transportation system produces a third of the country’s carbon emissions, making it essential that we improve plug-in electric vehicle technology and increase their numbers on the road. Today’s announcement enhances the kinds of private-public partnerships needed to remain at the forefront of advanced vehicle technologies that reduce our emissions and provide safe, reliable transport for the American people.”