The Future of Transportation event was sponsored by The Utah Foundation, a non-partisan think-tank that facilitates discussions on hot-button issues in the state.
Spendlove’s ideas regarding transportation are not new; many states have already implemented similar technology – and Utah is on the front lines of inviting companies and researchers to test new products.
Tuesday, a Nissan Leaf – a totally electric, zero-emission sedan – was available for visitors at the panel discussion to ride. The car, according to Nissan’s website, costs nearly $29,000. Still, savings on electric vehicles are significant. Some Americans spend $2,000 annually on fuel, according to the Department of Energy. Electric vehicles cut fuel costs by more than half.
Recently, the state legislature hiked registration fees for electric cars. Spendlove’s bill, which still needs more study and debate, would allow autonomous vehicles – hybrid or electric – to be on Utah roads — even without a licensed driver in the vehicle.
