42 U.S.C. § 13281 — Program and solicitation

(a) Program: The Secretary must run a program to demonstrate electric motor vehicles and their associated equipment, consulting with the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Program Site Operators, manufacturers, the electric utility industry, and anyone else the Secretary thinks is appropriate. This program must be (1) designed to speed up the development and use of electric motor vehicles, and (2) set up to evaluate how well these vehicles perform in real-world use, including fleet use, and to evaluate the infrastructure needed to support them. (b) Solicitation: (1) Within 18 months after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must ask for proposals to demonstrate electric motor vehicles and associated equipment in one or more eligible metropolitan areas, and may ask for more proposals later if needed. (2)(A) Each solicitation must require the proposer to describe: the manufacturer or manufacturers involved; who will use the electric motor vehicles; which eligible metropolitan area or areas are involved; how many electric motor vehicles will be demonstrated and their type, features, and life-cycle costs; the price differential; the discount payment being proposed; any contributions from state or local governments or other parties; the type of associated equipment involved; how much of the vehicles and equipment is domestically made; and any other information the Secretary thinks is relevant. (B) If a proposal includes leasing the vehicles or equipment, it must spell out the lease terms. (3) Each solicitation must set a closing date for receiving proposals, though the Secretary may extend that date by up to 90 days if needed.