What's Next for Electric Drive Vehicles?

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EDTA Conference Addresses Progress, Policies and Potential of Electrifying Transportation Sector-

WASHINGTON, December 2, 2008: Hundreds of leaders from the auto, energy, and government sectors began meeting here this week to discuss ways to accelerate the development and adoption of fuel-efficient, electric drive vehicles during the Electric Drive Transportation Association's (EDTA) annual conference.

"Now more than ever, it is important to establish the U.S. as a leader in the next generation of electric drive vehicles and technology," said Brian Wynne, president of EDTA. "The electrification of the transportation sector brings economic benefits from new green jobs and spending more of our energy dollars domestically, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

EDTA called on the new Administration and Congress to work together with industry to establish a comprehensive strategy to support the growth of electric drive hybrid, plug-in, battery, and fuel cell vehicles, battery technology, and invest in upgrades to the electrical infrastructure.

During the conference, taking place December 2-4 at the Washington Convention Center, more than 50 industry and policy leaders will address all aspects of battery, hybrid, plug-in, and fuel cell electric drive vehicles, components, and infrastructure. Featured panels include:

  --  Energy Policy Roundtable: Priorities for the New Administration
  --  Breakthroughs in Energy Storage: Advancing Battery Power and
      Performance
  --  Action on Energy in the 111th Congress: Views from the Hill
  --  Renewables on the Road: Greening the Grid and the Highway with Plug-in
      Electric Drive
  --  When Can I Buy One? Automotive Manufacturers Answer the Pressing
      Plug-in Electric Drive Question
  --  Next Generation Hybrids: Raising the Bar
  --  Beyond Cars: Electric Drive at Work Today
  --  Fuel Cell Electric Drive: Pushing Toward the Zero-Emission Solution
      and Dynamic Infrastructure Solutions
  --  Advanced Components: Batteries and Beyond and The Keys to a New
      Transportation Sector

For details on speakers and sessions, visit: SESSIONS ETC.

The EDTA Conference includes more than 40 exhibitors and 20 electric drive vehicles available for media and attendees to test drive during the Ride & Drive on Tuesday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.