Fairfield Experts Highlight Town As Emerging State-Wide Leader of Electric Vehicle Usage at UN Forum

That message was delivered on a global stage on December 1, 2017 by Fairfield’s own EV experts—Scott Thompson, Chairman of Fairfield’s Clean Energy Task Force (CETF), and Jim Motavalli, a CETF member and nationally known writer who specializes in the greening of the auto industry—via a presentation at United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Thompson and Motavalli spoke at a forum on EVs sponsored by NGO Sustainability with the missions of Costa Rica and Germany to the UN. NGO Sustainability is a non-profit organization that consults with the United Nations on sustainable development and renewable energy topics.

Consumers Responding to EV Benefits 
Consumers are strongly responding to the proven benefits of EVs, including the exhilarating driving experience, time and money savings, and zero carbon emissions, Thompson told the forum. By the year 2022, EVs will cost the same as their internal-combustion counterparts, without any incentives, which should spark a strong liftoff in sales. 

EV buyers already have many purchase options, with more than 30 EV models currently available in the U.S., Thompson said. “With federal tax credits and state rebates enhancing the ongoing cost efficiency of EVs, there is no question that for most consumers an EV purchase will be a very attractive proposition financially – as well as a chance to tangibly support a more healthful environment,” he said.

“Tomorrow’s cars will be electric, connected and, above all, extremely safe -- and change is happening fast,” said Motavalli, citing a RethinkX report predicting that although 40% of cars in 2030 will still have internal-combustion engines, they will by that time represent just 5% of the consumer miles driven.

“Tomorrow’s self-driving cars will also likely be electric, he said, because of synergies with charging and compatibility with onboard computers. Companies will move from managing drivers to managing fleets of electric vehicles, he added. And it’s critical, he said, that autonomous vehicles be shared, rather than continuing our 100-year practice of private ownership. If self-driving cars are shared and on the road most of the time – instead of intermittently as with individually-owned cars today – the overall fuel savings will be very dramatic,” Motavalli said. Supporting EVs in Fairfield 
Focused on “localizing” the global EV opportunity, Fairfield’s Clean Energy Task Force (CETF) is actively supporting both current and future EV ownership by residents. The CETF has spearheaded the town-wide installation of the highest density of EV charging stations in southwestern Connecticut, with more installations planned. The CETF also has facilitated leasing of EVs by Fairfield’s municipal government, and organizes Fairfield’s annual “EV Showcase,” an event designed for residents to view the newest EV models and learn about the current state of the technology. First Selectman Mike Tetreau said, “I commend the dedicated and forward thinking members of the CETF for the incredible strides they continue to make for our Town. I especially wish to thank Scott Thompson and Jim Motavalli for representing Fairfield at the UN and sharing their expertise with the world on our strong commitment to a more environmentally sustainable community that others can use as a model.”