As its first official act, the coalition released the Electrification Roadmap, a report that it said details the dangers of oil dependence, explaining the benefits of electrification, describing the challenges facing electric cars and providing specific policy proposals to overcome those challenges.
PRTM, a global management consulting firm, provided market analysis and technical input for the Roadmap, including detailed modeling on vehicle costs.
"It is time for business leaders and policymakers alike to step up," Smith said. "Our unrelenting dependence on oil has threatened our nation for too long. Up to now, electrification seemed like a pipe dream. But we are offering a realistic, practical, achievable plan to build a transportation system that will enhance our national security, propel economic growth, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions."
The Electrification Roadmap presents a specific vision: By 2040, 75% of light-duty vehicle miles traveled in the United States should be electric miles. As a result, oil consumption in the light-duty fleet would be reduced by more than 75%, and U.S. crude oil imports could effectively be reduced to zero.
"The first electric vehicles will be delivered in 12 months," Ghosn said. "The widespread acceptance of zero emission cars will require more than the efforts automakers can provide on their own. Public and private collaboration will be the key to mainstream acceptance."
Among its many policy recommendations, the Roadmap proposes the creation of electrification "ecosystems," geographic areas in which all of the elements of an electrified transportation system are deployed, thus providing a crucial first step toward moving electrification beyond a niche product into a "dominant, compelling and ubiquitous" concept.
"It is absolutely crucial that all of the key elements of an electrified transportation system are introduced in a highly coordinated fashion and in a way that is effective, affordable, and appealing to actual American consumers," Crane said. "Introducing all of the separate elements, from cars to infrastructure, simultaneously in select communities across the country will move electrification beyond the early adopters; policymakers will witness the national benefit derived from a new kind of transportation system while consumers will benefit firsthand from a new kind of driving experience."
In addition to electrification ecosystems, the Roadmap proposes specific policies in the following areas:
Batteries and vehicles. Charging infrastructure. Electric power sector interface. Consumer acceptance. Members of the Electrification Coalition include:
Timothy E. Conver, chairman, president and CEO, AeroVironment Inc. Peter L. Corsell, CEO, GridPoint Inc. David W. Crane, president and CEO, NRG Energy Inc. Kevin Czinger, president and CEO, Coda Automotive. Peter A. Darbee, chairman, CEO and president, PG&E Corp. Seifi Ghasemi, chairman and CEO, Rockwood Holdings Inc. Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. Ray Lane, managing partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Richard Lowenthal, founder and CEO, Coulomb Technologies Inc. Alex A. Molinaroli, Chairman, Johnson Controls-Saft,and president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions. Reuben Munger, chairman, Bright Automotive Inc. Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and CEO, FedEx Corp. David P. Vieau, president and CEO, A123 Systems Inc.
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