In these polarizing times, we don’t often see collaboration either exemplified or practiced. Though we may not see as much collaboration of late, Forth is closely involved in two recent examples in the smart transportation space: the first is National Drive Electric Week and the second is the development of the AchiEVe Model Toolkit.

Next week, Forth will celebrate and participate in National Drive Electric Week which begins September 26 and ends on October 4, 2020. The nationwide celebration raises awareness with consumers of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in-hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters and more. 

Not only are these vehicles fun to drive, but are less expensive and more convenient to fuel than gasoline vehicles, are better for the environment, promote local jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The key to National Drive Electric week is all about collaboration. Without collaboration and the hundreds of virtual ride and drive events, this National Week would not be possible. 

Also, with the collaboration between Forth, the Sierra Club, Plug In America and the Electrification Coalition, the newly updated version of AchiEVe: Model Policies to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption, would not have been possible. 

The AchiEVe Model Toolkit is the most current and comprehensive national toolkit designed to accelerate the switch to clean, electric vehicles in an effective and equitable way by providing stakeholders with model EV policies at the state, local and utility levels. 

Stakeholders include: governor’s offices and state agencies; legislators; regulators and utilities; transit agencies; cities and local governments; and businesses. Topics of importance include policies to encourage and enable vehicle purchase; to electrify flight duty vehicle and bus fleets; increase availability of charging infrastructure; EV utility investments; evaluate vehicle registration fees; consumer engagement and protection; and equity and expanding access. 

As our organizations continue to collaborate, our goal for the next AchiEVe model toolkit is to ensure medium-heavy duty vehicles along with more rural applications are highlighted such as e-tractors. Also, to center equity into each policy category so equity and expanding access is at the heart of each policy and no longer listed as a stand alone heading within the table of contents. 

If you or your organization would like to collaborate with Forth or would like to schedule a presentation regarding the AchiEVe Model Toolkit, please reach out to Jeanette Shaw at JeanetteS@forthmobility.org. 

View the AchiEVe Model Toolkit here.