The Business of Plugging In 2011 Discusses Future of Electric Vehicle Market

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From automotive manufacturers and electric utilities to technology retailers and government officials, every industry plays an important role in the future of the electric vehicle market. The Business of Plugging In(SM) 2011 (BPI) will feature global experts who will share their views on the current and future generation of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and related businesses. Through engaging workshops, breakout sessions, an exclusive ride-and-drive and gala dinner, the three-day conference will explore challenges and opportunities in tomorrow's PEV market.

The PEV is out on the road, yet its future is far from certain. The question is not only who will be driving PEVs, but also what will they be driving – as both the technology and consumer perceptions are rapidly evolving. The opening plenary session at the Business of Plugging In conference will present a lively discussion from three manufacturers, each of whom has identified a different pathway to PEV success.

The panel will include those on the front line, discussing the challenges of developing new technology and communicating it to the consumer. This classic clash of business model will offer a terrific springboard for the conference. Join the discussion at BPI on October 11 as Ken LaBerteaux, senior principal research scientist, Toyota Research Institute-North America, Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director, Chevrolet Volt, General Motors, and Mark Perry, director of product planning and strategy, Nissan North America, discuss the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of PEV technology.

Additional plenary sessions include:

• The E-Volution of Transportation – Best Buy, Verizon and Ford Motor Company speakers will focus on the new business models, partnerships, players and strategies that will be created by PEVs.
• Politics, Policy and the Electrified City – Hear from national, regional and local stakeholders as they discuss public policy strategies that will establish market opportunity for PEVs.
• Making the Case for PEVs; Now, and in the Future – This dialogue between General Motors, Ford Motor Company and SPX Service Solutions speakers will center around the current status and future prospects of PEVs, as well as the industry's the long-term goals.

To see a complete program guide, visit http://www.bpiconference.com/agenda.  

The conference also offers the opportunity to learn more about the industry through its workshops and breakout sessions. The workshops include "PEVs: Getting Plugged In to the Newest Technology," "Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Grid-to-Vehicle Connectivity" and "Utility Preparedness on PEV Readiness." Breakout sessions will feature key industry players – such as Chelsea Sexton, EV advocate and moderator for "Consumer Insights" – and highlight various topics from the PEV infrastructure to community preparedness and the PEV industry forecast.

"We must ask the hard questions and engage in collaborative efforts to continue PEV development. The Business of Plugging In provides the perfect venue to do so," said Brett Smith, conference chair, Center for Automotive Research. "If there is no discussion on the future of the PEV market – consumer adoption of the vehicles, installation of charging stations, business strategies and plans – the industry cannot progress."

In addition to the speaking program, there will be an exhibition featuring market-ready and future PEVs, charging infrastructure technology and other technologies that enable the PEV industry. Exhibitors include: Bosch Software Innovations, DBT, Recharge Power, Eaton, Steel Market, SPX Service Solutions, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

About The Business of Plugging In(SM)

The Business of Plugging In (BPI) was 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.

SOURCE The Business of Plugging In