Project Get Ready tackles four problems simultaneously:

1. Regional leaders often call participants and ask “how do I become a leader” and we don’t have a great answer;

2. OEMs are nervous that consumers won’t adopt plug-ins because the cars will be too strange (have early-stage snafus), have high costs, and infrastructure won’t be in place;

3. Infrastructure is expensive. Who will pay?

4. Several cities are taking aggressive and excellent action to implement plug-ins, but their approaches and lessons learned aren’t coordinated.

These problems can be overcome if cities/regions become ecosystems that welcome plug-ins. To create such an ecosystem, incentives need to be put in ranging from financial incentives, to “luxuries”, advertising, job training, education, service, and more.

The project will facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles in NC by accomplishing five key objectives:
1. FACILITATE stakeholder working groups to identify opportunities and explore/resolve issues and barriers associated with electrified transportation.

2. EDUCATE consumers on the viability of electric vehicles and hybrid plug-ins and to overcome misconceptions or concerns that hinder adoption of new technologies.

3. ESTABLISH sound infrastructure to deliver a network of charging stations that meet the needs of vehicle owners without jeopardizing the stability of the power grid.

4. DEVELOP relationships with manufacturers of vehicles and vehicle components, and ensure availability of electric and plug-in hybrids in the North Carolina market.

5. EXPLORE opportunities for economic development among “green-minded” vendors and manufacturers seeking a viable and forward-thinking location to grow their business.

Raleigh has become a leader in EVSE permitting and utility collaboration. It has recently been meeting with local electrical inspectors to help better understand charging infrastructure and to make the permitting process smoother. Additionally, Raleigh plans to certify a group of electrical contractors to self-inspect installations, making permitting even faster. The region held a large stakeholder conference last summer to help the area's EV rollout.