A forum for stakeholders with interest in the infrastructure to support EVs to discuss and study the ongoing efforts for widespread adoption.
About Electric Vehicle Council
What does the EV Council do?
The Transportation Energy Institute recognizes there are a significant number of organizations actively engaged in supporting the deployment of EV charging infrastructure. The EV Council brings these organizations together to share insights and experiences relative to infrastructure deployment and operation, to initiate original research and education projects to fill in gaps in knowledge and to further educate interested stakeholders concerning the opportunities, challenges and successful strategies associated with the installation and operation of EV charging stations.
Research
What Topics Does the EV Council Explore?
The exact initiatives to be pursued by the Council are determined by the Council itself. The following publications have been commissioned, reviewed and approved by the Council and the Transportation Energy Institute Board of Advisors.
Regulatory Analysis – The patchwork of regulations governing the installation and operation of charging stations is not only complex, but also can directly impede efficient deployment. The Transportation Energy Institute will undertake a comprehensive regulatory assessment at the federal, state and local levels, identify those provisions that facilitate and impede siting and permitting of stations, those that restrict retailer utility collaboration and those that influence available methods of sale.
Site Host Education – Entities interested in operating a charging station on their properties do not always know where to begin or how to proceed. The Council will develop a decision tree to guide interested parties in evaluating their options, educate them regarding permitting and zoning requirements and effectively engaging with their local utility provider, aggregate experiential lessons and develop best practices regarding how to develop and operate their stations. Research will also evaluate the potential business cases associated with operating a charging station, including costs of operations, relationship between charging occasions and retail sales, existing and authorized methods of sale and comparative experiences within North America and other markets, such as Europe and Asia.
Consumer Insights and Anticipated Behavior – Most of the defining research conducted to date relative to the charging behavior and preferences of electric vehicle drivers is significantly dated. The Transportation Energy Institute will undertake various methods of consumer research to better understand how drivers of electric vehicles today, but more importantly those in the future (it is understood the EV driver in 15 years will likely represent a very different demographic profile than EV drivers today) will recharge their vehicles, what their preferences will be relative to services and amenities at public charging facilities, and how they would prefer to interact with charging station providers. This research will also evaluate sources of consumer friction to identify opportunities to deliver a more seamless experience and to better quantify how charging stations affect the business of a retail establishment.
Market Evaluation – To better understand how quickly the market for electric vehicle charging will expand and where charging stations should be optimally deployed, the Transportation Energy Institute will leverage existing analysis and conduct original work to evaluate the demand curves of the developing market. This research will help the market strategically and concurrently develop a comprehensive charging system that will enable retailers to effectively service their customers as they transition to electric vehicles.
These are initial priorities for the EV Council, but other projects will be initiated with the direction of the Council members. Among these, it is anticipated the Transportation Energy Institute will seek to update dated research and analysis, to provide unique educational events to further the knowledge and familiarity of the EV charging market and convene stakeholders to foster collaboration and valuable exchange of information.
A Best Practice Guide for EVSE Regulations
While many localities around the country are beginning to plan for EV growth, research has revealed that most states and localities that were surveyed had little to no policies at all respecting public EV charging. This is expected to change quickly in the next several years as states and localities recognize the need to prepare for the rise in electrification and receive funding from different sources. Many state and local officials for the first time will have to consider developing and implementing policies to expand infrastructure.
EV Charger Deployment Optimization
The market for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow at an accelerating pace, yet there remains great uncertainty regarding how fast these vehicles will gain significant market share, how many chargers we will need, when and where we will need them and what kind of chargers will be required in different locations. Recognizing that billions of dollars would be invested in building out EV charging infrastructure, The Transportation Energy Institute’s electric Vehicle Council commissioned S&P Global Mobility to model what the demand for EV chargers might look like over the next 10 years throughout the United States.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Oversight Summary and Recommendations
With $7.5 billion on its way for ZEV infrastructure, the Transportation Energy Institute Electric Vehicle Council provides you with a summary of the programs (NEVI Formula Program and Corridor Charging Grant Program) to help you navigate your way to financial support. We also are actively participating with the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technology Office and Office of Electricity, who have developed a working group to assess the many gaps in industry and public education which exist today.
Evaluation of Policies for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Deployment
This report, commissioned by the Transportation Energy Institute’s Electric Vehicle Council, was developed by ICF researchers who reviewed and evaluated the market influence of nearly 500 different policies and incentives. The report offers valuable lessons that can be leveraged to better inform the design and implementation of new programs that seek to build out EVSE infrastructure
Read executive summary here.
Demand Charge Mitigation Strategies for Public EV Chargers
Most experts realized establishing a robust and reliable public charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads will require a viable business model to encourage investment by private enterprise. Interested stakeholders, including many utilities throughout the nation, recognize that electric utility demand charges can have significant impacts on the business model of EV charging stations. High operating costs can make it difficult for charging station site hosts to recover costs or operate profitably.
Planning Considerations for Electric Vehicles in The United States
DOE Resources and Technical Assistance options to inform the smart, equitable, and grid-aware planning of Electric Vehicle infrastructure.
Council Members
Voting Members
- 7-Eleven
- Costco Wholesale
- Electrify America
- Field Advantage
- Franklin Fueling Systems
- FreeWire Technologies
- Giant Eagle – GetGo Cafe+Market
- Hightowers EV Solutions, LLC
- Kum & Go
- NACS
- Parkland Fuel Corporation
- Phillips 66 Company
- Sheetz, Inc.
- SIGMA
- Toyota Motor North America
- Transport Energy Strategies
- Walmart Stores, Inc.
- Wayne Fueling Systems
Advisory Members
- ABB E-Mobility
- ACI Worldwide
- Alliance for Transportation Electrification
- Capital One
- Center for Sustainable Energy
- ChargerHelp
- Cox Automotive
- Duke Energy
- EcoEngineers
- Electric Era
- Electrify EVSE
- EZChargeNGO
- FLO
- GC Consulting
- Gilbarco-Veeder Root
- Global Partners
- Guardian Fueling Technologies
- JF Petroleum
- NACS
- NAFA Fleet Management Association
- National Car Charging
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- NextEnergy Center
- North Central Texas Council of Governments
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- P97 Networks
- Petroleum Equipment Institute
- Plug-In America
- Rocky Mountain Institute
- Seneca Companies
- Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
- Southern Company
- Sunshine Electronic Display Corporation
- Techniche
- Tesla
- Texas Food & Fuel Association
- U.S. Department of Energy
- United Dairy Farmers
- Verifone
- W. Capra Consulting Group
Participation
Who Should Participate?
The ability of the Council to provide valuable resources to the market will be enhanced through the participation of a broad diversity of stakeholders with interest in the infrastructure to support drivers of electric vehicles (EVs). This may include but is not limited to EV manufacturers, EV charging network providers, EV charging equipment manufacturers, electric utilities, retailers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and others.
Structure
The structure for participation is designed to promote engagement across stakeholder communities while providing the Transportation Energy Institute with the resources necessary to pursue the mission of the Council. In addition to Council dues, EV Council operations will be supplemented by external funding for specific projects. Membership in the EV Council will be set up in two categories:
- Voting Members* – $10,000 annually
Organizations engaged at this level will determine the strategic direction of the Council, will have the authority to initiate projects and initiatives, will have authority to spend Council resources and will have the final say in the publication of finished research. - Advisory Members – $5,000 annually
Organizations engaged at this level will be eligible to participate in any project or initiative, attend any Council events and meetings and ensure their perspective is heard by all Council members.
*Gold Contributors to the Transportation Energy Institute can become voting members for a discounted rate of $5,000
Resource Library
Regulations
Federal Laws and Incentives Database (Updated regularly)
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
This link provides a searchable database to identify and access federal and state laws and incentives related to alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles.
Electric Vehicles – A Primer on Technology and Selected Policy Issues (February 2020)
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report provides a primer on the expansion of the market for electric passenger, or light-duty, vehicles. 12 This discussion will address some of the factors influencing EV adoption, the broad categories of EVs and related technology, and the current federal policy landscape.
Transportation Electrification – States Rev Up (September 2019)
Source: National Governor’s Association
To assist governors in achieving their various transportation electrification goals, NGA hosted a series of four regional workshops, from November 2018 to April 2019, that engaged 40 states from across the country. This paper summarizes the insights and lessons learned gathered from those four workshops and identifies areas of common challenges.
Driving a Shared, Electric, Autonomous Mobility Future: What China, India and the United States Can Learn from Each Other (July 2019)
Source: Rocky Mountain Institute
In this report we evaluate how mobility ecosystems are evolving in three fast changing markets: China, India, and the United States. Specifically, we evaluate the role of policy, economics, infrastructure, and behavioral norms in shaping the mobility transformations in these three countries. The result of this multi-region and multivariate evaluation provides insights into how society can be proactive at shaping the future of mobility.
Vehicle Electrificattion – Federal and State Issues Affecting Deployment (June 2019)
Source: Congressional Research Service
This report discusses federal and state government policies in the United States to support electrification of light vehicles and transit buses, as well as proposals to reduce or eliminate such support.
Consumers
The Future of BEVs: How to Capture the Hearts and Minds of Consumers (February 2020)
Source: Escalent
Global investment in battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology is hitting new heights but consumer awareness and adoption of BEVs have not kept pace. For BEVs to become a global phenomenon, auto manufacturers and mobility providers need to understand what combination of features, infrastructure and innovation will achieve the tipping point. This paper looks at the European and US landscape to help companies elevate the consumer appeal of BEVs.
Charge the North – Results from the worlds largest EV charging study (July 2019)
Source: FleetCarma
Charge the North was developed to understand how electric vehicles are being charged and driven as well as the related effects on the electrical infrastructure. It answers the most pressing questions utility companies have related to the impact of electric vehicle charging on the grid.
Consumer Pulse and Market Segmentation – Wave 7 (June 2019)
Source: Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
Since 2011, SECC has published its “Consumer Pulse and Market Segmentation” series, and this latest report updates SECC’s consumer segmentation following years of energy-related, societal and technological change, including the proliferation of smart meters, the rise of smart home technology and the increased importance of climate change in the national discourse.
Electric Vehicles – How Much do You Know? A Fact-Based Guide for Consumers (October 2018)
Source: Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
This longer form, fact-based guide for consumers deepens the education and learning opportunity on electric vehicles. The guidebook is ultimately meant to explore and dispel common misconceptions while illustrating benefits and new opportunities with electric vehicles.
Consumer Driven Technologies Report (October 2016)
Source: Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
SECC surveyed 1,571 respondents from across the nation that addressing four distinct technologies and services: residential solar, community solar, green power plans and electric vehicles and equips interested stakeholders with actionable insight on the consumer producers or “prosumers” to help the transition to the future grid.
Vehicles
Electric Vehicle Growing Pains (April 2020)
Source: FleetCarma
Long-range BEVs are very different from older electric vehicles: they are driven more, they consume more energy, they draw power at a higher level and they are less predictable.
Global EV Outlook (May 2019)
Source: International Energy Agency
The Global EV Outlook is an annual publication that identifies and discusses recent developments in electric mobility across the globe. It is developed with the support of the members of the Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI). Combining historical analysis with projections to 2030, the report examines key areas of interest such as electric vehicle and charging infrastructure deployment, ownership cost, energy use, carbon dioxide emissions and battery material demand. The report includes policy recommendations that incorporate learning from frontrunner markets to inform policy makers and stakeholders that consider policy frameworks and market systems for electric vehicle adoption.
Advanced Electric Vehicle Recharging Technologies (May 2019)
Source: Energies Journal
This paper provides a review of EV fast-charging technologies and the impacts on the battery systems, including heat management and associated limitations. In addition, the paper presents promising new approaches and opportunities for power electronic converter topologies and systems level research to advance the state-of-the-art in fast-charging.
Infrastructure
Who’s in Charge Here?
Source: EC & M
Federal money and user demand are spurring the market for EV charging infrastructure. But incomplete and inconsistent state and municipal regulations make it difficult to keep projects on schedule and on budget.
Reducing EV Charging Infrastructure Costs (January 2020)
Source: Rocky Mountain Institute
RMI’s groundbreaking report Reducing EV Charging Infrastructure Costs finds that the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry needs to do what the solar industry did about a decade ago: streamline and de-bottleneck installation.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Current challenges and impacts on EV adoption
in the U.S. (September 2019)
Source: NextEnergy
The United States lags significantly behind China and most of Europe in EV charging infrastructure installations. This white paper discusses some of the EV charging infrastructure challenges the U.S. faces and provides some recommendations on activities that can help support widespread EV adoption.
Why Aren’t More Convenience Stores Installing Electric Vehicle Chargers? (November 2017)
Source: Smart Electric Power Association
This blog entry discusses: The convenience store industry is well aware of the potential for EV charging – especially given projections of declining gasoline consumption by cars and light trucks in the coming years and the need to cater to a new set of potential customers that don’t require conventional fuel. But so far, we’re seeing more talk than action – and where there’s action, it’s limited.
Utilities
Charging Ahead: Grid Planning For Vehicle Electrification (January 2024)
Source: Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG)
Through collaboration and coordination, Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG) addresses the technical challenges associated with integrating multiple energy systems to enable clean, reliable, and affordable energy systems worldwide.
Utility Best Practices for EV Infrastructure Deployment (June 2020)
Source: Smart Electric Power Association
Having the right strategic plan, building a strong team, and providing a good customer experience, will lead to successful EV charging programs. Download this report for recommendations for developing a comprehensive utility EV infrastructure program. Whether EV novice or expert, the best practices are useful for every electric utility, regardless of size, type or EV experience.
Utilities and the Auto Industry: A Romance That’s Meant to Be (March 2020)
Source: Smart Electric Power Association
This blog entry discusses: Today, improvements in EV range, technology, and cost are encouraging the two industries to communicate and collaborate. It is really about commercial symbiosis – as drivers buy more EVs, utilities and automakers benefit. These synergies are appealing in that each party brings a unique skill set to the table. Utilities have local presence, customer trust and existing relationships. Automakers bring national and global insights, as well as deep expertise in customer segmentation, branding and communication.
Preparing for an Electric Vehicle Future: How Utilities Can Succeed
in the U.S. (October 2019)
Source: Smart Electric Power Association
Combining results from an industry survey with personal insights of utility industry experts, the paper delivers recommendations and best practices for improving how utilities should support, plan and deploy EV charging infrastructure.
The X-Factor in EV Adoption: Local Governments (September 2019)
Source: Smart Electric Power Association
This blog entry discusses: Widespread electrification of transportation will rely on sustainable policies and collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, charging providers, policymakers and electric utilities. However, the role of local governments – at the municipal, county, or regional level – is as necessary to successful electric vehicle (EV) adoption as federal and state incentives, automaker offerings, or electric utility infrastructure.
A Comprehensive Guide to Electric Vehicle Managed Charging (May 2019)
Source: Smart Electric Power Association
This comprehensive guide provides readers with a complete understanding of managed charging, its potential benefits, the current industry state, utility program requirements, how managed charging communication pathways relay signals, and define the vendor landscape to date.
I Have Range Anxiety but It’s Not What You Think (March 2019)
Source: Smart Electric Power Association
This blog entry discusses: Contrary to popular belief, purchasing an electric vehicle has cured — rather than created — my range anxiety. I’ve had a Tesla Model 3 for nine months now, and in addition to driving it back and forth to work every day, I’ve taken it on road trips up and down the East Coast.
Utilities and Electric Vehicles: Evolving to Unlock Grid Value (March 2018)
Source: Smart Electric Power Association
Using data from 486 utilities and analysis of over 70 EV-related state regulatory dockets, this report shows that many utilities may be unprepared for the sudden change in load growth projected through 2030. The information and tools in this report will help utilities and their partners find a path forward.
Case Study—Oklahoma Gas and Electric (2018)
Source: Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
Utilizing market research on likely EV buyers, OG&E developed a comprehensive outreach campaign addressing common EV barriers and misconceptions via radio, community events and social media. The results of OG&E’s campaign in 2017 have been transformative for EV awareness and adoption with the state.
