ACEEE Report: Utility Transportation Electrification Planning – Emerging Practices to Support EV Deployment

In September 2022, ACEEE published a report on state transportation planning, highlighting practices to support increased EV deployment. As some states require utilities to submit comprehensive plans detailing preparations for and impacts of the EV transition, this report reviews the plans of 11 utilities from around the country and assessed them on the following criteria: coverage of vehicle types and overall program scope; rates and managed charging; incentives; equity; education and marketing; metrics and progress reporting; and system planning.

This report notes emerging trends, including a greater focus on make-ready investments and level-2 infrastructure than on other types of investments. Several utilities are planning time-of-use rates. There are plans for education programs and fleet advisory services (where fleet operators looking to electrify get technical assistance) as well as a focus on equity. ACEEE recommends that planning processes (1) be transparent and consistent to allow for stakeholder feedback, (2) focus on a wide range of transportation use cases, and (3) incorporate equity.