Leaders share challenges and solutions at the ‘Drive Electric Alabama’ EV Summit

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Alabama Power came together with state leaders Thursday to discuss the future of electric vehicles in Alabama.

“Some fifty organizations, many of whom are here today, have joined together to ensure that Alabama is globally competitive as the EV economic ecosystem matures,” said Governor Kay Ivey.

The event featured leaders from Alabama Power, Mercedes Benz and others. They discussed the future and the challenges that come with adopting electric vehicles.

Katelyn Eyford, a dispatcher for Lifeguard Ambulance Service, said, “I still don’t know if, for the average person, the average working person, if the affordability is coming down as a rate that is attainable for most.”

She said she would consider buying an electric car, but the price tag is a concern.

But at the EV Summit, Kevin Taylor said otherwise. He serves as the deputy director for AIDT with the Department of Commerce. “The prices are coming down so that people will, it will be more affordable for people to purchase those vehicles,” he said.

Besides the price tag of electric vehicles, Taylor said many people have a fear of traveling without a way to charge their vehicles.

“Your charging station, or your ‘gas station’ will be at home now. So unless you’re going on a long journey, most of the time your trip is less than a hundred miles a day,” Taylor said.

Shardul Modi, Research Engineer with Southern Company, said charging stations are expanding. “These chargers are located in very convenient locations, such as Buc-ee’s, nearby shopping malls, which means when you are parking, and when you are charging your car, you can go and shop,” he said.

When it comes to energy usage, Modi said Alabama Power is working to prepare for the increase in electric vehicles.

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