Electric vehicles are taking over roads around the world, and it’s hard to imagine many places where understanding the future of the industry is more important than right here in New Jersey, where Gov. Phil Murphy wants every new car, SUV, and light truck sold to be emission-free by 2035.
The stakes are obvious as EV sales continue to gain momentum. The pace of electric sales has more than tripled in three years, according to the International Energy Association, and that trend isn’t about to slow.
The boom in EVs is driven by several factors, such as environmental concerns, technological innovations, policy incentives, and consumer preferences. EVs can offer lower operating and maintenance costs, higher performance and safety, and lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional vehicles. They also create opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
To explore the impact of EVs on jobs, the economy, and transportation, the NJ Alliance for Action will host a conference on Sept. 13 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. The conference will feature experts from various sectors, such as government, industry, academia, and labor, who will share their insights and perspectives on the benefits and challenges of EV adoption.
“We are excited to bring together some of the most influential and knowledgeable speakers on EVs for this inaugural event,” NJ Alliance for Action President Jerry Keenan said. “We believe EVs are not only good for the environment but also good for our state’s economy and workforce. We want to showcase the potential of EVs to create jobs, spur innovation, and improve mobility for all New Jerseyans.
“And recent coverage of the event by ROI-NJ and Motormouth clearly shows the interest in this topic here in New Jersey and beyond,” Keenan added.
The event will be chaired and moderated by Bob Gerard, Senior Manager of Client Development, Holt Construction. The speakers include:
- Cathleen Lewis, Manager of Clean Energy Programs, Board of Public Utilities
- Robert Clark, Energy Efficiency Program Manager, Atlantic City Electric
- Avi Kelin, Esq., Partner, Genova Burns LLC
- Jay N. Meegoda, Ph.D., Program Director of the Geotechnical Group, New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Jonce Dimoski, Program Manager of Electric Vehicles, PSEG
- Eve Gabel-Frank, ChargeEVC
- Anthony Fiumano, ChargeEVC
The EV Conference will also host a group of key EV leaders in a panel discussion about how constructors and suppliers are responding, this includes:
- Jerry Frost, Founder and Managing Partner, BETS Energy LLC
- Ray Kaiser, Chief Innovation Officer, EVoke Systems
- Bernie Nagle, Chief Operating Officer, Allan Briteway Electrical Contractors Inc.
- Larry Hart, Senior Electrical Engineer and Project Manager, Concord Engineering Group Inc.
- Damian Bossio, Area Sales Manager, ABB E-Mobility
The conference also provides extensive networking opportunities for attendees to connect with stakeholders and experts in the EV field.
Keenan added: “This conference is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about EVs and how they can benefit our state. We know this conference will spark more dialogue and collaboration among all the parties involved in the EV ecosystem.”
The conference will run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.. The cost is $150 for Alliance members and $600 for non-members. To register or learn more about the conference, visit the N.J. Alliance for Action Events site.
