Minneapolis and St. Paul Work with Ford on Proposed EV Project

MINNEAPOLIS May 17, 2009; The AP reported that Twin Cities nonprofit groups and government officials are working with Ford Motor Co. and Xcel Energy to bring electric cars to the area.

Ford is hoping to get federal stimulus money for the project, and a proposal in Minneapolis and St. Paul could be one of 34 projects to receive funding.

As part of the proposal, local governments would field a fleet of 66 electric or hybrid cars in Minneapolis and St. Paul by the end of next year. Xcel Energy would set up special stations where the cars could charge up. That could include two solar-powered stations.

If it's approved, officials hope the project would help Minneapolis and St. Paul cut down on gas use and demonstrate a new energy-saving system to the public.