Q6:SmartColumbusGainsVisibility

During the July through September 2018 reporting period, 177 articles were published about Smart Columbus in local and national news outlets. After the opening of the Smart Columbus Experience Center in Q5, Smart Columbus continued its outreach through programming and events held to promote electrification efforts. Highlights from Q6 include:

• The Smart Columbus team worked with Transportation Service Providers (TSPs) to award Yellow Cab of Columbus $30,000 in the first round of the TSP Rebate Program, signing the agreement with owner and CEO Morgan Kauffman. Yellow Cab of Columbus worked with Smart Columbus to finalize a purchase order for 20 Chevy Bolts by Q7. Eight DC Solar EV charging stations with 16 charging points were installed at the Yellow Cab of Columbus headquarters. 
• Smart Columbus announced that May Mobility will operate low- speed, self-driving shuttles around the Scioto Mile loop. 
• Smart Columbus placed the six e-bikes procured through the Electrification Program into operation with the Columbus Police Department. The e-bikes’ pedal-assist electric motor enables officers to travel more quickly—up to 28 miles per hour—and arrive at calls while conserving energy for their work. 
• Drive Electric Columbus and Smart Columbus teamed up to host four events to celebrate National Drive Electric Week (Sept. 8-16). 
• 1,000 e-scooters from Bird and Lime were deployed in the Columbus market.
• AEP Ohio received 25 applications for its EV charging incentive program.
• The City of Columbus partnered with Columbus State Community College on a series of in-depth, technical automotive trainings. These college- level classes began on October 21, 2018 and will last through May 11, 2019. 
• Increased the number of electric vehicle (EVs) models sold in the Columbus market from 18 in Q5 to 23 in Q6. 
• Smart Columbus certified 11 local dealers as Smart Columbus Electrified Dealers. 
• AEP Ohio announced a program to expand EV charging station availability as part of the Smart Columbus initiative. 
• Smart Columbus posted the solicitation for applications for a new round of multi-unit dwelling incentive funding. 

Read more about programs and initiatives in Q6 in the report available below.