Business of Plugging In 2011 conference returning to metro Detroit

The Business of Plugging In 2011 conference commences on October 11 and runs through the 13th.

The Business of Plugging In (BPI) was first launched in 2009 with a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). It took place in Detroit, Mich., the center of global automotive technology leadership, to cultivate discussion among key stakeholders about developing a business model and infrastructure to support the introduction and future growth of plug-in electric vehicles. BPI is a Center for Automotive Research (CAR) conference.

For the record, the plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) landscape is still evolving and includes many diverse companies and interests from the role of big box stores like Best Buy to Portland’s electric avenue. Cross-industry collaboration will be a focus at the third annual The Business of Plugging In, which will offer the attendees the opportunity to engage in the discussion of the long-term growth and widespread consumer adoption of PEVs.

“Since The Business of Plugging In began in 2009, we have seen a dramatic increase in cross-industry collaboration helping drive the delivery of production-ready vehicles and infrastructure to the market,” said Brett Smith, conference chair, Center for Automotive Research. “This year’s event will address the challenges arising from the introduction of these new technologies, as well as the opportunities that have resulted from an emerging industry.”

According to the media release, key speakers for the 2011 conference include:

General Motors’ Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director, Chevrolet Volt, who led the development of the highly-acclaimed Volt, and continues to lead the development of the next generation model.

Southern California Edison’s Ed Kjaer, director of Electric Transportation, who is responsible for all aspects of electro-drive transportation activities, including operation of the nation’s largest private fleet of pure battery EVs.

Best Buy’s Chad Bell, senior director/platform lead for Personal Mobility and Transportation, who is leading Best Buy's push in the EV world. Best Buy has won contracts to install home chargers for buyers of the Ford Focus Electric and Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

Cenex’s Robert Evans, director, UK Government Alternative Fuels Fleet program and CEO, will present a perspective on PEV activities in the UK and Europe.

GE Capital’s Deb Frodl, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, Americas, Fleet Services who is responsible for GE’s global EV initiative. A pioneer in sustainable fleet transportation, she’s driven adoption of EVs across the industry and within GE’s own fleet as part of the company’s landmark commitment to purchase 25,000 EVs by 2015.

For a complete list of this year’s speakers, you may also visit www.bpiconference.com/category/speakers.

This year’s program, taking place at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich., will feature sessions covering all aspects of the PEV industry and the latest market trends. From “Politics, Policy and the Electrified City,” a panel focused on the regulations that will drive PEV growth, to “The E-volution of Transportation,” a session highlighting the unique business opportunities created by the need to plug in, attendees will hear from several industry experts on the status of PEVs and the supporting infrastructure.

The Business of Plugging In also will offer an afternoon of in-depth workshops covering topics like grid connectivity, the PEV value chain and utility preparedness. A ride and drive is also part of the conference offerings.

For more information or to register, visit www.bpiconference.com .

About the Center for Automotive Research

The Center for Automotive Research is a nonprofit organization based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Its mission is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, as well as organize and conduct forums of value to the automotive community. For more information: www.cargroup.org.

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About the Reporter: After 39 years in the auto industry as a design engineer, Frank Sherosky now trades stocks, futures and writes articles, books and ebooks like, "Perfecting Corporate Character," "Awaken Your Speculator Mind", and "Millennial World Order" via authorfrank.com. He may be contacted here by email: [email protected] or via his Twitter i.d. @Authorfranks

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