Elizabeth Boone, Electric Vehicles, Michigan
Elizabeth Boone, who has been in the industry for 10 years, is the CEO at BfB Advisory and lives in Michigan.
Why is clean energy important to you? Climate change is real and we can mitigate the impact by reducing CO2 emissions.
What’s your proudest accomplishment in clean energy? Helping launch the Mustang Mach-E. Very successful launch and a great electric vehicle. It's fun to drive and well-designed.
What did you do before entering clean energy? I worked at General Motors, and with other car companies, marketing ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles. Left to become a part of the solution.
When were you first introduced to clean energy? I was a member of the Chevrolet Volt launch team in 2010-2012. That's when I decided I didn't want to market ICE vehicles when a better option was available.
What should more people know about your role? There are many myths surrounding EV’s, but once you experience one in your life, you're less likely go back to gas-powered vehicles.
How does clean energy impact your community? The shift to electrification is finally gaining some momentum. Detroit and Michigan businesses have the opportunity to reclaim leadership positions through innovations in mobility. This is a pivotal moment for technological advancement, workforce development, and job creation across the mobility and clean energy ecosystem (the grid, green steel, hydrogen, last-mile solutions, etc). Michigan can be a leader once again.
What does clean energy mean to you and your family? I set an example for my children on how to respect our planet and work to solve the climate crisis.
Why should Congress invest in clean energy jobs, not fossil fuel jobs? Manufacturing is a huge capital investment with long horizon-lines. OEM’s need incentives to migrate their operations to clean energy/electric vehicles to navigate this crisis. The pivot to electrification is a jobs program. Also, consumers need to better understand the benefits of owning an EV instead of being bombarded by fear-centric messaging related to "range-anxiety.” Marketing to build desire and trust in EV’s needs to be supported in advance of the infrastructure being in place. The diffusion of innovation takes time and we need consumers clammoring to get them.
