A bipartisan group of lawmakers this week introduced the Electric Drive Vehicle Deployment Act of 2010, aimed at propelling deployment of EVs and related infrastructure. The bill — sponsored by Senators Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Jeff Merkley (R-Ore.); and Representatives Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Judy Biggert (R-Ill.), Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) — proposes to earmark $800 million in grants to help five communities install charging stations and incentivize EV purchases. It also would extend existing federal tax credits for individuals buying EV and charging system purchases.

“The auto industry is moving quickly to meet customer demand for more efficient vehicles that cost less to fuel up,” stated Rep. Biggert. “But our electric transportation infrastructure must keep pace with the technology.”

The bill also would seek to establish “best practices” in deploying EV infrastructure across the country. The bill’s sponsors cited EVs’ prospects for reducing dependence on imported oil, and also cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

“The goal should be to electrify half of our cars and trucks within 20 years,” stated Sen. Alexander.-MTB