More than 1 million electric vehicles sold in the US

More than 1 million electric vehicles sold in the US

Earlier this month, the United States passed an important milestone for the EV market: 1,000,000 vehicles sold. The industry is expected to grow even more rapidly in years to come, as large auto companies like General Motors and Ford bring even more attention to electric vehicles. Earlier this month, Michigan EIBC attended the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance (REBA) — a group traditionally focused on helping large companies purchase renewable energy from large projects. This year, companies at REBA were discussing the electrification of their fleet vehicles. Such new attention paired with existing efforts such as the EV100 make it clear that 1 million electric vehicles on the roads in the U.S. is just the start.  

Here in Michigan, we’re helping lead this transition. Last week, Michigan EIBC President Liesl Eichler Clark participated in a convening with stakeholders from across the nation to accelerate advanced mobility projects. The event was organized by Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and Midcontinent Transportation Electrification Coalition (M-TEC) and was hosted at Crystal Mountain. The project teams assembled dug into tough problems including charging at multi-unit dwellings, building a DC fast charging corridor, and electrifying school busses. Supported by a faculty of interdisciplinary experts, the momentum created at this event will serve to encourage progress across the Midwest. Thursday and Friday of this week, Michigan EIBC will join industry leaders, economic scholars, and government officials in Ann Arbor for the TE3 conference to collaborate on challenges including transportation and energy.

Such efforts continue to build on Michigan EIBC’s 2018 EV convenings, which brought together key electric vehicle stakeholders and leaders to discuss 1) utility pilot programs and the Volkswagen settlement; 2) customer education and awareness; 3) long-dwell and DC fast charging infrastructure; 4) fleet electrification; and 5) rate design. Read our report on those convenings to see the breadth and sophistication of the advanced mobility industry and the solutions that Michigan EIBC members are driving forward.

Save the Date: Election Recap for Michigan EIBC Members on Nov. 9 

On November 9 in Lansing, Michigan EIBC will be hosting a members-only post-election recap and analysis for member companies. The meeting will cover results from the Michigan legislative races, the gubernatorial and other statewide races, and races for the U.S. House and Senate. We’ll discuss initial reactions to what the results of the election mean for advanced energy in Michigan.


“Project of the Year” to be announced at Michigan Energy Innovators Gala 

On November 14, for the first time, Michigan EIBC will present an award for “Project of the Year,” recognizing an industry leading advanced energy project. 2018 saw a host of groundbreaking projects. Large corporations across the state continued to drive demand for advanced energy projects, solar and wind developers continued to make progress on important utility-scale projects, and Michigan’s PACE market set a record for financed projects. We received nominations of projects that included the efficient rehabbing of historic buildings, improvement of industrial operations efficiency to reduce peak load, solar installations at high profile public and private institutions, and more.  The nominations this year showcased the innovative applications of advanced energy that our member companies are making happen on a daily basis.

On November 14, we’ll announce the “Project of the Year” and we hope you will be there! Tickets are selling fast so be sure to get your ticket today before we sell out!Register Here!

Event Sponsors

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Michigan Energy Stories

  • Individual renewable energy distributed generation projects in Michigan increased by 28 percent in 2017, a trend of increasing numbers the past decade, according to a new report by the Michigan Public Service Commission. But the MPSC data is based on data compiled before the commission imposed new prices this year on solar rooftop and other renewable energy projects that send electricity back to utilities.
  • Grand Rapids officials spoke held an event to explain how they will use Founders Brewing Company waste to create renewable energy using Grand Rapids’ first biodigestor.
  • State Rep. Yousef Rabhi introduced a bill that would require all of Michigan utilities’ energy to come from renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2050. House Bill 6466 would expand on the state’s existing renewable portfolio standard.
  • Township officials from around Michigan and a group of about 300 citizens gathered Tuesday in Bay County at a forum where they heard from a speaker critical of wind energy.
  • After about a year of construction, the Delta Solar Plant in Delta Township is fully operational. More than 86,000 solar panels now provide electricity for 3,300 homes for Lansing Board of Water & Light customers.
  • Compared to a formerly proposed wind project, a large-scale solar project planned in Shiawassee County sees few objections from residents
  • Citizens for Energizing Michigan’s Economy, a group formed in 2013 to oppose energy deregulation, is running an advertisement touting Sarah Schulz, the Democrat running against Annette Glenn in the 98th House District. (Gongwer)
  • 150 MW wind project developed by Michigan EIBC member company Trade Wind Energy in Gratiot County is expected to be operational by 2020
  • A piece in the Detroit News called into question the Detroit area’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
  • Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer is considered among Democratic party leaders committed to stronger clean energy policy.  

National Energy Stories

Michigan Energy Events  

Please join representatives from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Agency for Energy on November 5 at 1pm for a webinar to learn more about Michigan’s Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP).  The BMP outlines how Michigan plans to spend $64.8M that it has been allocated as a result of the Volkswagen Settlement. Register here.

Michigan EIBC will host a members-only election recap on Friday, November 9. Watch your inboxes for registration details.

Michigan EIBC’s Annual Energy Innovator’s Gala is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, in Lansing. Sponsorship opportunities are available and interested sponsors should contact Nicole Forward at nicole@mieibc.org. For more information on the Gala and to register, please check out the website.

IEI will host a Corporate Purchasers Lunch & Learn at the House Office Building in Lansing on December 5. This event will be open to legislators and legislative staff, as well as Michigan EIBC members. Watch your inboxes for registration details.
 
National Energy Events     
Join 20,000 energy professionals at the Energy Storage North America Solar+Storage Summit November 6-8 in Pasadena, California. Register here.

You’re invited to Facing Race, a conference taking place in Detroit November 8-10. The conference will include several components related to energy democracy, helping cities and states to implement their new energy programs in a way that is racially equitable. For more information, please click here.

Attend the SEIA Women’s Empowerment Summit at Solar Power Midwest provides thought leadership on the value of a diverse, inclusive solar workforce – November 13 in Chicago – Register today.
 
The 6th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala is on November 14 in East Lansing hosted by the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) invite you to Solar Power Midwest in Chicago on November 14-15

Announcements and Opportunities
The Michigan Energy Office (MEO) has announced a pilot program that will offer matching funds to eligible Michigan businesses to develop innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
 
USDA announced a set of loan guarantees and grants as a part of USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The deadlines to apply for grants are Oct. 31, 2018, and April 1, 2019. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted year-round. Additional information about the program and how to apply for this funding is available on page 40216 of the Aug. 14, 2018, Federal Register.


As a business-driven organization, the Michigan EIBC exists to serve its members and relies on business support. We thank our members for their important support and participation. Is your business interested in joining Michigan EIBC? Click here for more information or to sign up.