In this episode of DC Power Hour, we learn about the impact of electric vehicles on the power industry. Industry experts George Pedersen and Allan Byrne hold a spirited debate on the pros and cons of Electric Vehicles in the Battery Blarney segment. They discuss the safety of lithium batteries, the environmental impact of alternative energy sources, and infrastructure changes needed to accommodate electric vehicle charging in the home. 

Then, hosts David Neubert and Andrew Carlton speak with Jeff Springer, Manager of Innovation and Efficient Electrification at Dairyland Power Cooperative. They talk about all things EV in the electrical grid, renewable energy credits, and innovations in consumer charging stations in homes and public spaces.

Episode Highlights

01:32 They’re with us whether we like it or not.

04:24 There’s a natural reluctance to change as part of this. 

06:04 I think people are starting to look in different directions at the moment because of the sometimes deserved, sometimes not deserved, problems with lithium batteries. 

08:15 These goals are set with no consideration of technology; with no consideration of public acceptance.

12:16 How do you charge this (electric vehicle), where’s the power coming from? Nine times out of 10 it’s coming from a fossil fuel power plant. 

15:59 We’re not just talking about a product here; we’re talking about an entire infrastructure change in what America currently is and what it needs to be. 

18:45 They (solar and wind) are not a good method of producing that baseline power that we require to produce that power we need for our everyday living resources.   

29:25 CHARGE - provides charging infrastructure both in people’s homes and in rural areas where public charging is needed but no one else seems to be building any.

43:51 The growth of EV’s has been relatively slow up until this point, but we do anticipate it taking off.

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