The City of Auburn Hills’ Director of Community Development, Steve Cohen, recently spoke at the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo in Novi, Michigan. Cohen led a discussion to address how to better prepare a community for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).

“More than two years ago, Auburn Hills made an intentional decision to prepare for the fueling needs of plug-in electric vehicle drivers,” said Cohen. “Since then, the city has implemented the state’s first comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Ordinance, created best practice standards for on-street charging stations and developed Michigan’s standard for PEV charging station regulatory signs.”

Cohen addressed the processes and strategies Auburn Hills used to determine the role communities play in developing a network of charging stations to meet the fueling needs of plug-in electric vehicles; uniform standards to assist with public education and acceptance for plug-in electric vehicle technology; and planning for the current and future infrastructure needs of plug-in electric vehicles.

“Making a community PEV ready does not have to be complicated,” said Cohen. “It just takes advanced planning and commitment.”

To learn more about Auburn Hills’ efforts to become an electric vehicle ready community please contact Stephanie Carroll, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6802; scarroll@auburnhills.org, or visit the city's new PEV website here.