Understanding the confluence of the electric drive industry and the U.S. government is at the heart of the EDTA Conference this week. During a working session on Wednesday, a half dozen speakers dissected ways governments of various jurisdictions (city, state and federal) can and do support electric drive vehicles. Here're the highlights.

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), a taxpayer-funded utility company, hasn't met an alternative energy source it doesn't like. Bill Boyce, SMUD's electric transportation supervisor, said SMUD has supported EVs at the local airport, has worked to restrict truck idling activities, and is constructing a photovoltaic-powered hydrogen fueling station. SMUD is also big into plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). The utility is testing converted Prius vehicles (see below), supports Plug-in Partners, and is helping to test EPRI's Dodge Sprinter Vans (which are medium-sized delivery vans that, according to DaimlerChrysler's Dominique Portmann, get about 26 mpg in the most recent versions). SMUD is even studying how light rail can better store regenerative braking energy.

The story continues after the jump.