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Maryland Department of the Environment

Maryland Recognizes National Drive Electric Week

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tamara Toles-O’Laughlin

443-306-8149

Jay Apperson

410-537-3003

jay.apperson@maryland.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

MARYLAND RECOGNIZES NATIONAL DRIVE ELECTRIC WEEK 
State agencies to promote the benefits of driving electric vehicles with outreach and social media campaign using hashtags
#MD<3EV! and #EVAmazing.

Annapolis, MD (Sept. 16, 2014) – The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) are encouraging Marylanders to learn more about electric vehicles (EV) during National Drive Electric Week (September 15-21). The nationwide celebration is intended to heighten awareness of the present day, widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and to highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Both agencies invite EV owners and those interested in learning about EV technology to use social media hashtags #MD<3EV! and #EVAmazing to help promote the benefits of switching to an electric vehicle.

Abigail Ross Hopper, Director of MEA, remarked on the EV campaign, stating that, “MEA is excited about National Drive Electric Week because it creates an opportunity to highlight Maryland’s continued investments in clean transportation technologies. Electric vehicles create a benefit for all Marylanders by improving air quality, which positively impacts public health, all while offering increasingly practical energy solutions. MEA supports efforts to encourage alternative transportation modes and reduce Maryland’s reliance on imported petroleum fuel.”

Electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions from their tailpipe, reducing greenhouse gases and assisting Maryland in meeting its air quality goals and protecting the health of its citizens. Maryland is leading the charge to make electric vehicle charging stations more accessible. Through the Transportation Climate Initiative, Maryland and other East Coast states are working collaboratively to ensure development of a robust charging station network along the Interstate 95 corridor that will permit long-distance travel in electric cars throughout the region.

Kathy Kinsey, MDE Deputy Secretary lauded the campaign saying that “National Drive Electric Week is an great way to support increased awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles, as well as the incentives that Maryland offers to reduce costs for consumers. When citizens make the choice to drive electric they are choosing cleaner air and creating a healthier environment for all Marylanders. ”

CORE FACTS:

  • Maryland has seen a 433 percent increase in sales of plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles from 2011 (178 purchased) to 2012 (949 purchased).
  • Collectively Maryland, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont are committed to having at least 3.3 million zero emissions vehicles operating on their roadways by 2025.
  • There are currently more than 560 public vehicle charging opportunities in Maryland.
  • Grants from the Maryland Energy Administration have been responsible for the placement of more than 250 charging stations in Maryland since 2010.
  • Fueling your car with electricity is about five times less expensive than fueling with gasoline.
  • Electric vehicles require no oil changes and have 10 times fewer moving parts than a gasoline-powered car.
  • MEA has funded the installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations at MARC train stations. This would make Maryland’s rail infrastructure one of the first in the nation to be EV-ready.
  • Maryland offers a variety of incentives to purchase plug-in vehicles, including tax credits, grants, and vouchers.

For more information on Maryland’s electric vehicle programs and initiatives see the following additional links:

Electric Vehicles Buyers Guide
Electric Vehicle Incentives
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Rebate Program
Maryland Electric Vehicle Website
National Drive Electric Week Website
Statewide Existing Maryland Electric Vehicle Initiatives

 

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