the business of plugging in
A Plug in Electric Vehicle Conference
Oct. 19 - 21
Motorcity Hotel and Conference Center
Detroit, MI
http://www.pev2009.com/
The University of Michigan joined leaders from the automotive, utility and new technologies industries in Detroit Oct. 19-21 to examine the important role plug-in electric vehicles may play in enabling a more sustainable national environmental strategy and enhancing energy security.
During the conference a University of Michigan survey conducted by economist Richard Curtin, director of the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers was released which showed widespread consumer interest in buying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). But the cost of the cars is much more influential than environmental and other non-economic factors as a predictor of purchase probabilities. Full press release: "Costs of plug-in cars key to broad consumer acceptance"
Additional headlines from the plug-in conference include:
- At Plug-In Car Conference, Utilities Vow To Do More
- Conference calls plug-in hybrids nearly ready for the market
- General Clark: Electric vehicles more important than ever
- Study Touts Use Of Aluminum In Hybrids, Electric Vehicles
More than 60 speakers spoke on a national strategy to support plug-in electric vehicles, battery technology, infrastructure developments, creating a PEV-ready workforce, and consumer acceptance.
University of Michigan participants included:
- Dennis Assanis, Director, Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute, delivered the welcome keynote address
- Richard Curtin, Ph.D., Director, Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, Institute of Social Research, discussed research exploring consumer attitudes toward PHEVs and factors affecting purchase probabilities
- Ann Marie Sastry, Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical, Biochemical, and Materials Science and Engineering, Advanced Battery Coalition of Drivetrains, was on a battery track panel and a vehicle track panel
- Martin B. Zimmerman, Ford Motor Company Clinical Professor of Business Administration and Professor of Business Administration, Ross School of Business was on an infrastructure track panel