IDEA, Arlington, Va., has agreed to a strategic partnership with ElectricSmarts Network in which ElectricSmarts will help close the loop in the supply chain between distributors and end-users by providing manufacturer-authorized IDW data to end-users. In turn, IDEA will offer ElectricSmarts' SMART eCat web-based e-catalog to distributors for use on their websites.

“Manufacturers, distributors and end-users each have a vital role in the sales process; this partnership will help them work faster and more efficiently because end-users will now be using IDEA-certified product data for specifying, bidding, purchasing and billing transactions,” said Keith Peck, president, ElectricSmarts Network.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., is throwing its political weight behind HR 1685, the Electric Drive Vehicle Deployment Act of 2011. Introduced by Representatives Judy Biggert (R-IL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), HR 1685 implements various incentives and programs to foster adoption of electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging infrastructure.

HR 1685 extends through 2014 the tax credit for the residential and commercial purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The credit is currently set to expire at the end of this year. The bill expands the tax credit from 30 percent with a cap of $30,000 for businesses and $1,000 for individuals to Recovery Act levels of a 50 percent credit with a cap of $50,000 for businesses and $2,000 for individuals.

In addition to the tax provision, this bill establishes a grant program to identify and demonstrate best practices for incorporating EVs and EV infrastructure into the grid and select communities; bonding authority for EV infrastructure investments; a loan program for manufacturers to re-equip their facilities to produce EVSE or EV components; and a program to encourage adoption of EVs by federal fleets.

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