Photo by Ernest Ojeh, Unsplash.
By Pat Stinson
Those hesitant to purchase an electric vehicle (EV), and those who already have, will be able to learn more about their battery-powered operation and benefits during one of several Earth Day presentations taking place tomorrow in Ludington.
The activities will be held at the United Methodist Church of Ludington, 5810 Bryant Rd., and are sponsored by AFFEW, A Few Friends For the Environment of the World. AFFEW is a nonprofit organization providing the greater Ludington community with environmental programs and events.
Mary Fortier will present the keynote address, “If Atoms Could Talk: The Electric Vehicle Revolution,” beginning at noon on Saturday.
According to the program description, her talk “will focus on vehicle electrification and the importance of electrochemistry’s role in the decisions we make as leaders, consumers and advocates.”
In 2022, 33,100 electric vehicles were registered in Michigan, according to MichAuto.org. That year, the state ranked 24th in the number of electric vehicle charging stations, and Michigan was listed as the top state for battery- and EV-related investment announcements.
A graduate of Ludington High School, Fortier retired in August 2022 after 25 years in leadership roles with General Motors. At the time of her retirement, she was the primary leader for the Advanced Battery Cell Engineering team. The team was responsible for incorporating the latest technology into the company’s electric vehicles.
Fortier now works as an independent consultant and is an advocate for vehicle electrification. Her presentation will range from addressing consumers’ practical concerns to a discussion of the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act, the rise of battery plants in Michigan and the role leaders from Michigan have played in the electrification effort.
Fortier replied via email to a question about traveling long distances in an electric vehicle, a concern she commented is “always high interest.”
“I will discuss the 3 Levels of charging and their primary purpose: PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), At Home and Long Distance,” she wrote. “I’ll discuss the charging electrochemistry and the effects of temperature on charge time.”
We also asked her how using coal-generated power to charge a vehicle’s battery could make an electric vehicle less polluting. Her response (edited for brevity) is below.
“Great question and it is very common,” she replied. “I will introduce the calculation used by the EPA & DOE (Department of Energy) known as ‘Beyond Tailpipe Emissions.’ My goal is for a live demonstration.”
Fortier’s presentation is one of many programs scheduled during the all-day event. The schedule is as follows:
Presentations/Programs:
10:30-11:30 a.m. Butterflies and Skippers of Mason County, by Dave Dister
12-1 p.m. Keynote: If Atoms Could Talk: The Electric Vehicle Revolution, by Mary Fortier
1:30-2:30 p.m. Live Reptiles and Amphibians (hands on), by Jim McGrath
2:45-3:45 p.m. Preserving Water Quality, by Symon Cronk
Activities:
Kids’ activities all day, plus
11 a.m.-1p.m. Storytime, by Miss Emily with Book Giveaway
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Electric car display
11-11:45 a.m. and 2-2:45 p.m. Free Spirit Drum Circle (hands on)
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. U Dig It Community Garden Tours
2:30 p.m. Guided nature hike, by Dave Dister
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Booths by many organizations and artists. Make-and-take chapstick with the Beekeepers of Mason County. Earthly Treats, by Dannee and Kay. Food available for purchase.
For more information about Saturday’s Earth Day activities in Ludington, go to affew.org.
Read more about area 2024 Earth Day events and this year’s theme in our story “Planet vs. Plastics: Which will win?”
