Let’s Go – Electric!

In 2021 and beyond, RideWise will be working with partners throughout Somerset County to further the electrification of transportation and achieve Somerset County’s ambitious Electric Vehicle (EV) goals. What started as a virtual interactive event last December with New Jersey’s leading EV advocate, ChargEVC CEO Pam Frank, has become a monthly Zoom discussion on EV initiatives in Somerset County.

An electric vehicle being charged.

A diverse group of local, state and other stakeholders with a variety of experience with EVs are coming together to share ideas, priority areas and next steps for accelerating electric vehicle adoption. Whether you’re newly interested in EVs or have EV-related expertise to share, you’re invited to join us.

We’re supporting the county’s EV readiness goals by assisting municipalities in planning for EVs, promoting the implementation of public charging stations, and educating the public and business community. In February, as part of our municipal outreach, we’ve asked each municipality in Somerset County to complete a short EV Readiness survey that will help us determine the level and type of assistance needed.

The Let’s Go Electric group has covered a range of topics so far, including the future of EVs in New Jersey, auto dealership training, charging infrastructure and workplace charging installation, combatting misperceptions about EVs, and e-mobility. Upcoming discussions include the business case for public charging/retail charging stations, the benefits of collaboration between municipalities and the business community, and community EV education.

An interactive March 25^th webinar on making communities EV ready is being planned with our partners at the Somerset County Planning Division. This webinar is open to coalition members and the general public. After the presentations, panelists will take questions on policies and processes that help municipal staff, councils and Green Teams in the transition to electric transportation and infrastructure.

If you’re interested in joining the growing coalition, please email Leanne McGowan at leanne@ridewise.org.