<p>General Motors (GM) is preparing to launch its extended-range electric vehicle, the <a title=”Chevy Volt” href=”https://www.motherearthnews.com/green-transportation/green-vehicles/chevy-volt-electric-car-update” target=”_self”>Chevy Volt</a>, in late 2010, and communities that want to help test the vehicle will need to be “plug-in ready.”</p>
<p>According to GM, being plug-in ready includes installing public and workplace charging infrastructures, setting consumer-friendly electricity rates, offering renewable electricity options, and adjusting codes and permitting rules to encourage vehicle charging.</p>
<p>Local governments and corporations can also commit to purchasing plug-in vehicles, and they can offer incentives to make the technology more affordable to consumers. Other incentives, such as access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes, are also a plus.</p>
<p>GM plans to test the vehicles in San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and other plug-in-ready communities.</p>
<p>The Chevy Volt was named the winner of the 2009 Green Car Vision Award at the <a title=”Washington Auto Show” href=”http://www.washingtonautoshow.com/” target=”_blank”>Washington Auto Show</a>, beating out the fuel-cell-powered Honda FCX Clarity and the plug-in hybrid Fisker Karma, as well as two all-electric cars: the Mini E and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.</p>
<p>GM is also working with the Electric Power Research Institute and a coalition of more than 40 utilities to address the commercialization of plug-in electric vehicles. The company is helping to create standards for the electric vehicle charging interface.</p>
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<h5>Reprinted from <a title=”EERE Network News” href=”http://www.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm” target=”_blank”>EERE Network News</a>, a free newsletter of the U.S. Department of Energy.</h5>