South Carolina is open for business for electric vehicles!

In an effort to raise awareness of new electric vehicle (EV) technologies and the benefits of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the SC Budget and Control Board's South Carolina Energy Office, in partnership with the SC Department of Commerce, will host a “South Carolina Electric Vehicle Awareness Day” on Tuesday, March 12, at 2:00 p.m. on the Statehouse grounds. The event will highlight different types of electric vehicles currently available to cater to differing driver styles and needs. Attendees will also hear from industry executives about new technologies that are coming to the automotive marketplace.

What some may not know is that South Carolina is leading the field in automotive innovation, with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers already in operation and initiatives at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina researching and developing cutting edge vehicle technologies. Many private and public entities have installed alternative fuel technology and more are considering it. In fact, as EV technology continues to evolve, cities across the state are installing the necessary infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles in use.

To date, charging stations for electric vehicles can be found in every major city in South Carolina. In October 2012, six new charging stations were installed Hartsville and in downtown Florence. Those join stations in Aiken, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Spartanburg, Rock Hill, Greenville, Charleston and Columbia, making South Carolina one of the top 10 states in the nation in terms of charging stations per capita. According to the United States Department of Energy, South Carolina ranks eighth with 106 charging locations for its 4.6 million residents—a number that steadily continues to rise.

Currently, most major car manufacturers sell some version of electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, as market analysis projects that by the year 2020, global sales of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles will hit 3.8 million. Growth in the hybrid industry is expected to continue to increase by roughly 40 percent annually, with general car sales growth projected at only 2 percent. All of the data points to a need for greater awareness of electric vehicle technology and associated business opportunities.