Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Task Force

Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Task Force

Meeting Minutes

By February 10 – please send an email to :

1. Identify any objections to any of the Working Group Recommendations or clarifications – the final recommendations will be written into the MA EV Action Plan and will begin to be implemented where possible.
2. Identify next priorities for each working group in rank order (or add items to prioritize).
3. Opinions on other important items to include in legislation.
4. Review and comment on thesedraft meeting minutes.
5. If the Infrastructure and Regulatory Working group principles reflect your views and you would like to submit them as a Task Force recommendation to the DPU proceeding, please let Linda know.

• General agreement with recommendations. General agreement to formalize MEVI Task Force in legislation to keep it alive. Careful with statutory authorization to develop regulations.
• Send any suggestions for stretch building code to incorporate EV readiness to

• MassDEP Commissioner Ken Kimmell - The 8-state ZEV MOU gives a strong market signal that the participating states are taking significant actions to accelerate EV adoption. MA portion of the 3.3M vehicle goal by 2025 is 300,000. Complements the MEVI Task Force. MOU requires an action plan by the end of April, 2014. Barry Woods emphasized the importance of coordinating with the 8-states as well as complementary activities in neighboring NE states.

• #1 Priority is to decrease cost of EVs, collaborated with PA, CA and NY on rebate experience. Used their experience in developing group recommendations.
• Important to get greater adoption now but longer term strategy needed. The Phase I/pilot rebate program will inject excitement about EVs and provide data for analysis of a long term strategy.
• Outreach group needs to maximize marketing and getting the word out.
• Measuring and reportingprogress is important.
• Focus of recommended consumer incentive is appropriate but suggest consider equity (limit to vehicles less than $50K) or qualify financial status for those who need monetary incentives. Consider EV range as criteria to establish rebate amount and to force the market (Barry Woods). Police Departments interested in electric motor cycles for patrols.
• Continue fleet support. Steve Russell updated the group on types of projects available for approximately $6M of Clean Vehicle Grants aimed at EVs and EV infrastructure in both public and private fleets for cost differentials for EV technology , wireless charging and an Electric School bus project (working with CA – 8 buses in 4 communities) to pilot V2 G technology.
• We have Yankee mentality - don’t forget other incentives that have worked elsewhere – HOV, low or free tolls; lower inspection fees, building codes, volume fleets (like taxi cabs), lower utility rates at night; workplace incentives. (Jeffrey Hyman)

• Today, electricity provided by public charging stations is free. This is not a sustainable model. Need a regulatory framework in order to move forward. Working group not unanimous but healthy discussion. Two open proceedings will need to be completed to establish clear, streamlined requirements. Keep charging costs low encourage open access, national standards, parking controls, consumer notification on EVSE so they know how much they will pay. Impressively short time to get to such detailed issues – very positive (Watson Collins)

• DPU requests robust comments and responses to questions posed in NOI 13-182 by February 14thinitial comment deadline. Reply comments will be due no later than March 17.
• (ADDITIONAL DETAILS) NIST draft standards can be found as a Tentative Code - published as Appendix F of the Specification and Tolerance Committee (S & T) in Publication 15 of the S & T Interim Report. This report can be accessed at: Click on meetings and then Publication 15 to access the S & T report in appendix F. Standards process requires hearing, consensus and recommendation for adoption by majority of state members.

• More level 2 charging infrastructure will be required at work and home locations. The state has publically funded a network of level 2 charging stations across the state. The EPRI analysis suggests that approximately 63 more would be needed to minimize stranded drivers by having a station within a 10 mile radius of highway or population center.

• DC fast charging network extends range of EV – fast charges in the right place are needed. EPRI analysis of 95% coverage within 25 miles of population center or highway suggests 14 stations are required with additional 5 for 99% safety net. MassDOT and EEA will work together to propose locations. It will be important to communicate with neighboring states when installing fast chargers and create an interstate travel corridor.

• Suggestions made to discuss public/private partnerships with MEVI Task Force including the CT Green Bank at next meeting.

• MassDOT assisting with directional and generic EVSE location signs for off highway locations, rest areas and state or municipal roads. MassDOT also working to change labels from “Gas” to “Fuel” to clarify and acknowledge the variety of alternative fuels

• (ADDITIONAL DETAILS): EVSE incorporated into Building Codes - The working group suggests incorporation of EV readiness into the MA stretch code to reduce future costs of installing EV charging infrastructure in residential, public or commercial buildings or parking locations. DOER requests that comments be sent to on core concepts, suggested improvements and new suggestions. EV readiness suggestions can include: wiring to accommodate charging stations (in residential, commercial, industrial or public properties) or requiring large properties to install charging stations.

• “One car, many people” mentality. For example, Nissan Ride & Drive program that helps highlight EV advantages, disproves rumors, shows the lifestyle advantages and educates multiple people at common locations. Expense is an issue, funding is needed.Pilot program suggested.

• Mass DEP launched an incentive program on Earth day in 2013. Allotted $2.5 million for incentives intended for municipalities and charging stations. This program ended July 26th with DEP funding 47 municipal vehicles, 17 charging stations. Training ongoing for 2014 application period open until February 28 (includes shared car services as well as state agency fleets and public colleges/universities that will get more people in one vehicle).
• Last year over 90 Plug In events. Renamed National Electric Drive week will be September14-21, 2014
• Require signage when giving out grants

• Energy vision – achieving significant emission reductions by wide scale electrification by mid century. ENE publishing report on Monday, February 3 2014.
• Suggestion for rebate in maintenance/repair costs to bring down consumer concerns about new technology
• Look for volume – if need 65 EVs registered/day to achieve 3,000,000 by 2025 – consider taxi cab program

• Fuel Cell infrastructure and vehicles,
• Public/Private partnerships for funding infrastructure (Green Bank),
• Solar Charging stations,
• Invite other states to present,
• April 8-state MOU report.