Electric Automobiles

Your article “Minuses Outweigh Pluses in Search for Electric Autos” (Jan. 9) underlines the need for accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in order for EVs to become a feasible form of transportation in the Los Angeles area. Precisely with this goal of creating an “electric vehicle-friendly” region in mind, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) is spearheading an aggressive EV infrastructure program which involves installing charging stations throughout the city.

The California Air Resources Board has mandated auto manufacturers to sell significant numbers of EVs starting in 1998. Now is the time to start developing the infrastructure to support EVs.

An integral first part of the DWP’s infrastructure activities involves installing 60 charging stations in L.A. by the end of the year. Although most EV charging will occur at night at residents’ homes, it is important to develop “opportunity charging” options for EV owners. The DWP already has placed charging stations at its downtown headquarters building (where they may be used free by the public) and its main San Fernando Valley office facility, and will continue to install them in locations such as the airport, other city facilities, private commercial buildings and more.

The DWP is working with other agencies and officials in Los Angeles to implement a comprehensive 10-point plan to make the city EV-ready, and is leading a statewide effort, under the auspices of a nonprofit consortium called CALSTART, to prepare California for the commercial introduction of EVs. The latter effort will see about 14 charging stations installed throughout the state in the next year.

These activities will create the EV infrastructure that is crucial to the successful development of an electric transportation industry--and necessary to make electric vehicles a viable transportation option.

DANIEL W. WATERS

General Manager and Chief Engineer

L.A. Department of Water and Power