The introduction of a new infrastructure to an existing infrastructural fabric is an exciting and challenging exercise. To the utility charged with this task, there are a wide range of considerations, ranging from the basics of range coverage and relieving range anxiety to locating the stations where the driver most wants to charge, considering what the driver might do when charging, evaluating what the economics and business model might be as well as integrating branding and way finding requirements and last but not least, considering user comfort in the actual act of charging. All these factors play into the success of the charging network and therefore the overall promotion of EVs (electric vehicles).
The BC Electric Vehicle Project set the stage for deployment of approximately 450 new charging stations. This infrastructure included home, work, and public charging stations. This work established a methodology for the deployment of the public prong of this effort. Early public charging stations help to enhance consumer confidence and provide range extension for highway travel. The methodology is based on a BC case study, however it is readily applicable to jurisdictions around North America, allowing other utilities to build on the lessons that BC Hydro, Hydro One and other utilities gained from this study.
TIPS Lab’s study will provide a uniquely focused examination of the factors affecting public implementation, filling an important niche in electric charging guidelines. Analysis and recommendations will be made in the following areas:
- Precedents and Useful Analogues: technical, locational, business, and design
- Network Mapping
- Business Model Options
- Siting Synergies
- Navigation and Wayfinding
- Interface Design
- Branding
Examining these criteria and finding synergies between them allows for effective network scenarios to be proposed. These scenarios will provide a springboard for the utility to most efficiently deploy their electric charging resources.
Read more about the planning framework.