Hawaiian Electric published their Electrification of Transportation Strategic Roadmap yesterday. In it, you’ll find details of their plan to reduce our dependence on fossil engergy for transportation and electricity. We had the pleasure of meeting with company officials a few months back to discuss EV community needs and opportunities to collaborate – it was great to see the extent of their research and engagement as part of the development of this strategic plan.

Here’s an excerpt from their press release:

“The plan lays the foundation for future actions to realize these benefits for customers and the state. Some will require regulatory review and approval. The plan cites these key near-term steps.

1. Boost EV adoption by working with automakers, dealerships and advocates to lower the purchase price and educate customers on vehicle options and benefits
2. Partner with third-party charging providers and others to facilitate the buildout of charging infrastructure, especially in workplaces and multi-unit dwellings. Expand the network of utility-owned fast-chargers and public Level 2 chargers in gap areas to reduce range anxiety
3. Support customers to transition to electric buses with targeted efforts to reduce the upfront cost and provide practical charging options. From buses, efforts can move to trucks and other heavy equipment
4. Create grid service opportunities with incentives for demand response participation and charging aligned with grid needs to reduce costs and save drivers money
5. Coordinate with ongoing grid modernization to ensure smooth integration of EVs into energy delivery networks and optimum use of renewable resources”

Thanks to Brennon Morioka at HECO for leading this effort and for this outcome. We look forward to collaborating to help execute this and make renewable future a reality for Hawaii.