Plug-In 2010: We’ve Come A Long Way, Baby
July 15th, 2010 // 1:38 pm @ Miss Electric
*For an updated version of this article with highlights from the conference, click here.
The Plug-In 2010 Conference is just around the corner. From July 26-29, a “who’s who” of the plug-in industry will be in attendance in San Jose, CA, for one of the most influential events in the field. In recognition of the third year of the this event, I reflect on the significance of bringing together such a powerful network of organizations for an annual plug-in convergence.
The Plug-In conferences have been important for three reasons:
1- Technology Demonstrations: In the fast-moving electric vehicle field, the Plug-In exposition has consistently provided unique opportunities to experience first-hand the latest technologies from both established automakers and newcomers. Since 2008, the Plug-In exposition floor has featured several technologies that have now become near-market successes, particularly for EV charger products. Of course, not all of these technologies have made it past the demonstration stage. How about that Plug-In Hybrid Saturn Vue on display at Plug-In 2008? I was really looking forward to that one!
Andy Grove, former Intel CEO
2- Information Exchange: The Plug-In conferences are the places to share what you know with those who matter. Panel discussions have provided cutting-edge information from some of the most innovative organizations in this field. The Plug-In conferences have also been a key place for venture capitalists to stake out plug-in companies to bring to market. Andy Grove’s (former Intel CEO) participation as keynote speaker at Plug-In 2008 has been pivotal for creating further VC involvement in this space.
3-Networking: Organizers of the Plug-In conferences realize the value of bringing together utilities, automakers, suppliers, media, advocacy organizations, and research organizations. It takes a network to bring plug-in vehicles to market, and it is this aspect that makes the Plug-In conferences especially important. The conferences create opportunities for relationships that 
lead to strategic alliances for plug-in vehicle deployment. EcoTality, for example, was a relative newcomer to the charging infrastructure scene this time last year at Plug-In 2009. Their interactions with other organizations at their exhibition booth have contributed to several prominent alliances, now known as The EV Project, for a nationwide charging infrastructure within the next year.
Plug-in 2010 promises to continue that legacy for further industry success. This is the first year that major automakers will offer plug-in vehicles for sale. This is also a year of unprecedented nationwide policy support for plug-in cars at the federal, state, and municipal level. 2010 is the year that start-up automotive companies in the plug-in field have received widespread recognition for their influence in the market. 2010 also marks the year that advocacy organizations are priming to ramp up consumer demand for the cars that will revolutionize the way we drive.
I look forward to reconnecting in two weeks with those who have paved the way to get us where we are today. I also commend the conference organizers for recognizing the value of bringing us together for continued progress in the field.
Category : Rockstar EV Events
Paul C from Austin
1 month ago
Hello again Shannon! I really look forward to your, and Bo and Ryan’s, interviews and insights from this green gathering in a few days. It’s facinating to watch, this slow movement, the rolling of larger and larger pebbles trying to push an industry to the tipping point of change. People compare the EV movement with what occurred with Computers and Cell Phones, but, unfortunately, the EV movement is a lot more tenuous and does not carry the inevitibility that computers and cell phones had, though in some ways it is much more important. Still, I remain optimistic- and for now look forward to y’all’s shows over the next few weeks! Good luck there!