BY BARRY WOODS

For several years, I’ve said that when the first electric pickup arrives, my task to promote Electric Vehicles (EVs) will be over.

Granted, this was a tongue-in-cheek pronouncement, but the significance of expanding EVs to the most popular consumer vehicle platform is not to be underestimated. Now, with Ford’s recent announcement of an all-electric F-150 (the nation’s best-selling vehicle), the next stage for the transition to electricity of the transportation sector has been set. Ford has created buzz that even Tesla, Rivian and Lordstown Motors couldn’t with their pickup truck press releases. Americans love Ford, and, more importantly, accept as real its signal that electricity is the next path.

Far more impressive even than Ford’s announcement is the recent bipartisan infrastructure bill in process that promises some significant potential EV-related subsidies. If this bill passes in its current form, the nation will see $7 billion for EV-charging infrastructure in addition to increased EV-related purchasing incentives and electrical grid upgrades. To provide some perspective, the EV Project that got transportation electrification going circa 2009 was $120 million. The details remain somewhat vague, but Maine may stand to get upwards of $20 million just for charging infrastructure from this bill.

For those who have been observing, Maine has become a changed landscape over the past few years, thanks in no small measure to the Mills administration, and continues to make huge strides in bringing plugin vehicles and charging resources to the masses. With the Maine Climate Council constructing a set of carbon emissions goals that rely on EVs, Maine is poised to accelerate the transition to electricity through policy and projects (climatecouncil.maine.gov).

Yes, the cars must continue to improve, both in performance and cost-effectiveness. Yes, we need more fast-charging resources widely dispersed across the state. However, there is a general consensus that electricity is transportation’s path to the future, curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and providing consumers with more money in their pockets from lower energy costs. The disruptive nature of EVs is finally playing out, and not a moment too soon.

To help you as you consider your next vehicle purchase, let’s consider where Maine is now and where it will be in the next 10 years.

In a recent survey by Plug In America, Maine was voted ninth out of all states for supporting the EV Driver (pluginamerica.org/policy/top-25-states-supporting-the-ev-driver). Analyzing four key criteria needed to move the needle on deployment, including policies that affect drivers before purchase and during ownership of a vehicle, policies that enable EV infrastructure build-out, and EV education and outreach activities, Maine broke the top 10. In particular, Maine’s success stemmed from a significant EV rebate program, incentives for boosting our charging infrastructure, and Zero Emission Vehicle adoption goals (219,000 plug-in vehicles on the road by 2030). Efficiency Maine (EM) has been proactive in establishing a vehicle rebate program for drivers and municipalities and has been funneling VW settlement money into its DC fast charging and Level 2 charging infrastructure programs across the state. Because of EM’s efforts, Maine has constructed the fast-charging network backbone for all vehicle types along many of the state’s major travel corridors, with seven additional sites expected to be completed next year that will extend to coastal and Downeast Maine (efficiencymaine.com/ev).

Central Maine Power has also piloted their first EV charging station subsidy program to help alleviate installation costs for Level 2 charging clusters in 14 locations, including the municipalities of Lisbon, Wells, Falmouth, Kittery, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, and Belfast, and commercial properties such as Saddleback Ski Area and Oxford Hills Casino.

We can expect more aggressive utility incentives in the coming year, all designed to grow the charging infrastructure and benefit residents and our tourist industry. Check out Plugshare.com for an updated map of charging locations to get a better idea of the immediate effect of these efforts.

While many municipalities have begun to adopt EVs as part of their fleets, Portland and South Portland have collaborated to create a One Climate Future plan with EVs as a centerpiece strategy for GHG reduction (oneclimatefuture.org). This includes Portland revising its technical manual to require that new parking lots have 20% of their spaces accessible to EV charging (and the others designed to add charging) and deploying the first all-electric refuse truck from Lion Electric. Portland Metro expects to add several Proterra all-electric 40-foot transit buses, which will begin service between Saco, Biddeford and Portland in 2022. South Portland created a request for proposal for commercial property owners who want to install Level 2 charging at their facilities. It will be replenished annually by Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

At the state and local level, Mainers are stepping up to control our climate destiny and improve our communities.

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

After observing global apocalyptic weather events the past few years, including droughts, wildfires, floods and heat domes, we appear to be facing a changed world in our lifetimes. Human-generated carbon emissions, as a major GHG, are largely to blame.

Transportation currently accounts for more than half of our current GHG generation. EVs produce little (and in many cases zero) carbon emissions in their operation, largely because they are more efficient and can use renewable energy.

As the grid gets cleaner, so will our transportation sector. The federal government appears to appreciate the magnitude of this opportunity as well. If we can meet the current emissions reduction goals the state has set, we have reason to hope the future of Maine for our children will still be recognizable to us. Make no mistake, your next vehicle choice will have a tangible impact on that future. Where we are going depends on you. The good news is that, if you choose wisely, your next vehicle will be more fun to drive, less expensive to operate, meet your daily and long-distance travel needs, charge at home and charge your home during a power outage(!), all with no gasoline smell on your hands.

Interested in learning more? Look for a ride-and-drive event near you, where you can check out a variety of cars (there are now over 50 models with a plug) and talk to their owners. And before long, you just might find yourself driving a Ford with a plug!

Learn more at driveelectricweek.org.

This article appeared in the Fall/Winter 2021 edition of Green & Healthy Maine HOMES. Subscribe today!

Click here to find Maine experts that specialize in healthy, efficient and sustainable homes: Builders & designers, heating/cooling systems, insulation & air sealing, landscaping, renewable energy, realtors, finance programs and more in the Green Homes Business Directory.