JAN 13

I'm with you on the wish that this actually come true. For large cities to convert to using more ev cars not only helps the environment but could provide some relief to the congestion and traffic issues in those cities. My guess is that if just one cab company in NYC converted to the use of ev, the whole state of NY would see an immediate benefit.

Any word on what BMW is bringing to the table? (My hubby tries to make me like his car by talking about BMW's sustainability initiatives.)

That looks like a good match for those who need an alternative to mass transit etc... I would think the LA and similar cities would be in the same situation as far as that goes... especially with the mention of vehicle carbon dioxide emissions being factored in to this research.

NYC is on track to be the greenest city in America, mainly for its compactness and inherent efficiencies in energy consumption. I hope they place more plugin charge stations as fast as New Yorkers put those EVs on the road.

The adoption of EVs in NYC and other large cities would be accelerated if the cities brought in a 'congestion charge' that would apply to any vehicle entering the city limits. Exemptions apply to very low emission vehicles such as EVs or hybrids. The city of London has such a scheme, and it has been very successful in improving the air quality in the city. The city has also implemented an 'Emissions restriction zone' that applies to buses, trucks and vans, restricting access to only those vehicles which comply with Euro III standards for particulate emissions.
Vehicles not meeting the standards must pay for the privilege of entering the city. This is done by mobile phone or on a PC, and can be paid for on a daily basis, or monthly. Vehicle license plates are 'read' by roadside cameras, and checked against a database of subscribers. Where a vehicle enters the exclusion zone without a payment registered against it, a fine is levied.
This scheme has been in operation for some years now, and there have been three benefits;
1. The air quality in central London is much improved.
2. Traffic density is much lower in the city.
3. The city has generated significant revenues, which are used to improve bicycle lanes, and other green initiatives.

The objective is to encourage EVs and other non-emitting vehicles to use the city streets, and further improve the air quality - which would have a direct health benefit to citizens.

See:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roaduser...fault.aspx

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/lez/default.aspx