Late last week, General Motors announced that it will collaborate with the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), consisting of more than 30 of the top electric utilities in the U.S. and Canada. Their goal - to accelerate the introduction of plug-in electric vehicles. GM will work with the companies on everything from codes and standards to grid capability. This will ensure that when plug-ins like the Volt hit the market in 2010, they are ready to realize their full potential.

Among the issues the coalition will address include ensuring safe and convenient vehicle charging, raising public awareness and understanding of plug-in electric vehicles, and working with public policy leaders to enable a transition from petroleum to electricity as a fuel source. The overall goal is to create affordable, desired vehicles that will take advantage of the grid and provide accessible, reliable, low cost plug-ins.