California Prepares for a Surge in Electric Vehicles
California is making significant moves to embrace a future dominated by electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on the development of supporting infrastructure to manage charging needs. This initiative is central to the state’s ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions.
At the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the prevalence of electric vehicle chargers highlights the growing shift toward electrification in the transportation sector. Isaiah Cabebe, a pre-med student at UCSD, noted the convenience of having these chargers available, particularly for students living in apartments without home charging options.
UCSD boasts more than 500 EV chargers, representing one of the largest public charging networks globally. According to Professor David Victor, the university plans to triple its charging infrastructure. “If the state’s policy goals are met, by 2035 all new cars will be effectively electric vehicles. Then we’re going to see a lot more electric vehicles on the road and much bigger need for the infrastructure to charge those vehicles, not just at home but also in workplaces and on the roads,” explained Victor, who co-directs UCSD’s energy decarbonization initiative.
Reducing Carbon Footprints
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies transportation as the biggest contributor to this nation’s carbon emissions. Within the transportation sector, light-duty vehicles, including cars and pickup trucks, are responsible for 57% of greenhouse gas emissions.
While electric vehicles present one solution, the existing infrastructure also plays a crucial role. Professor Jae Kim from the University of San Diego points out, “We already have an electric grid, we already have the infrastructure.” He contrasted this with the infrastructure challenges associated with hydrogen vehicles.
Power Grid Impact and Charging Strategies
The California Energy Commission projects that EVs will account for 20% of the total energy demand from utility providers by 2035. The current power demand and grid congestion in San Diego are lowest overnight, leading to lower charging costs. However, the issue with overnight charging is that most power comes from carbon-emitting natural gas plants due to the lack of renewable power sources at night.
Workplace charging, especially during daylight hours when California’s solar power production is at its peak, presents a viable solution. According to Victor, “What we’re doing here at UC San Diego is asking the question. Suppose in addition to congestion we’re also concerned about the emissions that are caused by our vehicles.And if you add those emissions, it already makes sense to charge in the middle of the day than at night. The (costs) just don’t reflect that yet.”
EV Owners and Charging Behavior
EV owners who live in houses often have chargers at home, but students like Stella Riley, an apartment resident who charges on campus, find the on-campus chargers very useful. Regarding her charging habits, she admits it is still “a work in progress.”
Future Trends in Vehicle Ownership
Other trends anticipated include a shift away from individual car ownership towards public fleets of autonomous vehicles, which, according to Kim, could ease the coordination of resources. Kim suggests that this kind of system, “Could spread out the charging much easier and you could match the supply and demand for mobility much easier”.
In conclusion, Victor emphasizes that cost and convenience are major factors in the adoption of EV charging habits. He anticipates a move toward daytime charging as the most effective approach.
