Bellevue getting ready for electric vehicles
15.06.10
The Bellevue Conurbation Council on Monday contemplated a jolt of mass-produced electric cars expected at an advanced hour this year and what the city can do now to encourage and prepare for the trend.
The topic of electric vehicles, or EVs as they’re known, was discussed in two parts: an overview of efforts under way in Bellevue to forward the fledgling industry; and recommendations on land-use code changes to allow EV infrastructure in non-residential areas.
Such efforts are part the municipality’s wider Environmental Stewardship Initiative to create a sustainable urban habitat with good air and water, habitat for fish and wildlife, and comfortable and secure places for people to live and trade.
Council members were interested in supporting the infrastructure for electric cars, including charging stations and battery exchanges, but deficiency to make sure the new technology is a good fit in Bellevue.
Electric vehicles, already trickling into the mainstream, will get a big push up later this year when Nissan is scheduled to begin selling its compact Leaf, the first bigness-produced EV. The car was unveiled last December in Bellevue as part of nationwide tour, and about 1,500 Leafs already have been pre-ordered by form residents, according to an industry expert on hand Monday. Up to 12 other electric models are expected to be introduced in the next two years.
Source: Bellevue Reporter