In order to effectively create a large-scale network of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV’s) and reap the benefits of the reduced greenhouse gas emissions such a network would provide, a significant amount of infrastructural, regulatory and consumer awareness efforts are needed. These efforts must go beyond simply adding more charging stations in cities.

In order to effectively create a large-scale network of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV’s) and reap the benefits of the reduced greenhouse gas emissions such a network would provide, a significant amount of infrastructural, regulatory and consumer awareness efforts are needed. These efforts must go beyond simply adding more charging stations in cities.

Some economies already have such efforts underway. For example, National Resources Canada has created a Road Map intended to lay out the various components necessary to have 500,000 or more PEVs on the road by 2018. The framework includes the creation of a charging infrastructure, the development of more advanced batteries, and public efforts aimed at increasing consumer acceptance of electric vehicles.

Encouraging widespread use of electric vehicles requires participation from various sectors, including automakers, government agencies, and electricity providers. The implications of creating a large-scale PEV infrastructure are vast, including taking care to ensure low-cost charging at off-peak hours, so as to not overwhelm a city’s electrical grid.

As such, the Electromobility Survey and Road Map initiative aims to harness the various ideas and efforts already underway in various APEC economies. Participants will contribute examples of best practices for expanding PEV infrastructure. They will also contribute assessments of how the expansion of PEV infrastructure can boost electric vehicle markets.