Learn About the Electric Vehicle Transformation, Jan. 28

Workshop on plug-in EVs features experiences of local vehicle owners

Learn about recent developments in the electric vehicle revolution sweeping across California during a presentation on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District, 550 Olive Street. The workshop will focus on plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and feature a panel of local owners discussing their experiences with PEVs in everyday life.

The workshop is being presented by the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, the Community Environmental Council, the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition and the UC Santa Barbara Sustainability Office. The workshop is free, and lunch will be provided for all who register. To register, go to www.energycenter.org/cvrp-events.

During the workshop, Colin Santulli, a PEV expert with CCSE’s transportation programs, will outline the financial and environmental benefits of PEV ownership, currently available incentives and the latest developments in vehicle options and the local infrastructure for vehicle charging. Santulli is conducting a series of workshops in cities throughout the state, promoting PEVs and the statewide Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, a program of the California Air Resources Board.

“By making the switch to cleaner, more efficient plug-in electric vehicles, individuals can reduce their use of petroleum and help create cleaner air for all of us,” Santulli said. “This workshop will be a great opportunity for people to learn about the first-hand experiences of their neighbors who already own PEVs.”

The difference between other electric vehicles and PEVs is that they are at least partially powered by batteries onboard that charge up from the electrical grid rather than hybrids that have electrically assisted combustion engines. Some PEVs are all-electric and are solely fueled by the electrical grid. Currently available PEVs include the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Tesla Roadster and others.

At the meeting, Santulli will also speak about the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project that provides cash incentives up to $2,500 for purchasing new PEVs that qualify. The project is part of statewide efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions funded by the Air Resources Board.

A Nissan LEAF and Toyota Plug-In Prius will be available for workshop attendees to test drive after the presentations. Other PEVs will be on display.