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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

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Develop and Increase Electrification Infrastructure

Electrification refers to the process of replacing fossil fuel-powered technologies with electric-powered technologies in the transportation, residential and commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other sectors. Electrifying the transportation sector will require more individuals switching to electric vehicles (EVs), but before EV adoption can become more widespread, greater efforts to develop and increase electrification infrastructure—like EV charging stations—will be required.1 Transit agencies and local governments can utilize federal-level grants to help extend the development and adoption of electrification infrastructure.

Considering this strategy will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Transportation lifecycle phases

This strategy is associated with the following transportation lifecycle phases:

  • Construction
  • End of Life
  • Maintenance
  • Material Selection
  • Operations
  • Policy and Planning
  • Project Development

Who's involved

  • Car owners
  • Local governments
  • MPOs
  • Transit agencies
Electrification refers to the process of replacing fossil fuel-powered technologies with electric-powered technologies in the transportation, residential and commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other sectors. Electrifying the transportation sector will require more individuals switching to electric vehicles (EVs), but before EV adoption can become more widespread, greater efforts to develop and increase electrification infrastructure—like EV charging stations—will be required.1 Transit agencies and local governments can utilize federal-level grants to help extend the development and adoption of electrification infrastructure.

How it Helps

The transportation sector is currently responsible for a large portion of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—most from light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.2 Therefore, electrification of the transportation sector can improve air quality by reducing vehicle tailpipe emissions. Increasing access to electrification infrastructure in all communities can encourage EV adoption. Electrification of the bus fleet can also improve the health of children, older adults, or other populations that often use public transit as a way to travel.

Implementing

Partnerships:

One way to expand the current electrification infrastructure is to partner with public and private electric utility companies to obtain needed resources and conserve funds.

Upgrading the Electric Grid:

In order for the benefits of electrification to be recognized, there needs to be a plan in place for updating the current electrical grid infrastructure to make sure that additional electricity generation comes from renewable sources.3 If non-renewable energy sources are used to power EVs and other infrastructure, this could reverse some of the positive outcomes associated with electrification.

Equity Concerns:

There are equity considerations associated with increasing electrification infrastructure, particularly with ensuring that lower-income communities have access to this technology.4 Historically, underserved or minority communities have been disproportionately impacted by air pollution, so it is crucial that electric infrastructure, such as charging stations and electric buses, can reach these populations.

Potential Barriers:

Since electrification is a budding concept, there will continue to be economic and technological challenges associated with its implementation. One of the barriers to widespread EV adoption is the high cost, but this will likely begin to decrease as battery prices fall and more car manufacturers develop EV models.1

Examples

1) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), or the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, of 2021 established a new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation that will be responsible for running a $7.5 billion program that focuses on expanding the nation’s network of EV charging stations. The Office will also provide technical assistance to the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program that aims to support electric school bus deployment.

https://driveelectric.gov/

2) Shenzhen, China Electrification Progress

The city of Shenzhen, China has surpassed the level of electrification infrastructure in most U.S. cities, with the world’s largest electric fleet. There are over 16,000 electric buses and 20,000 electric taxis in the city, and these vehicles have zero emissions and plenty of available charging stations.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2021/02/14/this-chinese-city-has-16000-electric-buses-and-22000-electric-taxis/?sh=7f354bbb3a92

1. NGA. (2019). Growing Electrification of Transportation: Technologies and Key Policy Trends. https://www.nga.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/NGA_CleanEnergy_Toolkit_Growing_Electrification.pdf
2. Cleary, K. (2019). Electrification 101. Resources for the Future. https://www.rff.org/publications/explainers/electrification-101/
3. Allard, A. (2021). The Surge in Electrification of Transportation Requires a Sustainable and Resilient Electrical Infrastructure. Power. https://www.powermag.com/blog/the-surge-in-electrification-of-transportation-requires-a-sustainable-and-resilient-electrical-infrastructure/
4. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. (2022). Electrifying Transportation to Benefit Every American. https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/electrifying-transportation-benefit-every-american