Plug-In Recap

Back at home with the 5 week old and the 5 year old (as well as my bride). I would have to say my first Plug-In Conference was a success. Here's what I learned...

Charging - The battle to create the next evolution of the gas station is underway. It will show up at grocery stores, drug stores and big box retailers (because you need to kill some time while you juice up). Expect big things to happen along the west coast and in key markets in the midwest and southeast. A myriad of announcements will be in the offing and the first chargers will hit aforementioned locations late this year/early next year.

EV - Talk of the town was the pricing of the Volt and the Leaf matching the battery warranty of Chevrolet. At this point the ponies are in the starting gate and we are all ready for the bell to ring.

Future - Lots of interesting takes on why EV will happen (either because you want to save the planet or because our national security depends on it). Question is how much and how long will govt. subsidization last and will alternative distribution pop up for these products. Current car dealers can be none too thrilled as EVs do not support their current business model (making money on routine service repairs). Alternative distribution is going to be needed but who will step up.

The panel ended up going great and was a lot of fun. Special thanks to the organizers for pulling it all together.

Plug-In 2010 - Panel

Just wrapped up a panel on Innovative Business Models with a representative from Better Place and the CEO of Mission Motors. Really interesting companies and smart folks on top of that. Interesting questions from the audience regarding charging infrastructure and the role retail can play in the bustling EV space. Fairly friendly crew and I enjoyed the participation.

About to do my first interview on the topic with wwww.triplepundit.com. I'll post the link once it publishes.

UK Govt Takes Hatchet to EV Incentives

Tally Ho! The new coalition government in the UK has whacked subsidies for EVs (from over 200M pounds to 43M). Understandable they would take a bit more of tough look at it due to budget constraints but will this move stunt EV uptake in the UK? I don't see how it won't.

Greenpeace has already weighed in on this change and is non-too pleased. Expect Rainbow Warrior to sail up the Thames and try to storm parliament.

Plug-In 2010 - Day 2

As expected it has been an event full of announcements. The big one was of course the Volt price point of 41K (before subsidy). Some were excited and some were down about it. As always the market will tell.

This is the conference of charging with dozens of companies with fancy stations to show off and try to sell. A clear push to get the infrastructure in the ground (specifically from a public standpoint) is underway. Question that is popping up is will we see consolidation in the industry and who will be the leader of it.

First Drive: Think City EV's New Lithium-Ion Batteries Give Much-Needed Range, Power

Good news, Norwegian style...Think's new battery is getting a range of around 100 miles. This is the number that appears to be magical with customers with "range anxiety." Good for Think. The industry can use scrappy start ups.

The Chevy Volt’s Sticker: $41,000

First news from the show...Volt lights up the day with a 41K sticker (after rebates it will land around 32K). Are you going to buy one?

Live from Plug-In 2010

Crouched over a laptop in our booth at Plug-In 2010 while our revenue generating employees are en route. Should be an interesting day with everyone's favorite Austro-American Governor speaking later today. Lots of charging activity and a spiffy new Volt right by our spot. Looking forward to the day.

Stay tuned for details as I get them.