North Coast Plug-In Electric Vehicle Readiness Project

The goal of the North Coast Plug-in Electric Vehicle Readiness Project was to develop a readiness plan to support the successful introduction of plug-in electric vehicles and the strategic development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the region. Key tasks included the creation of a coordinating council, the development of a methodology for planning and siting electric vehicle charging stations, the development of an infrastructure deployment plan, the development of guidelines to streamline the permitting of electric vehicle charging stations, the development of a plan to promote the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in fleets, and the development of an education and outreach plan.

It was found that a relatively small number of public charging stations are required to adequately support reasonable penetrations of electric vehicles expected in the next ten years, and this infrastructure can be installed for a modest cost. A unique data-driven methodology was developed for planning and siting a regional charging station network, and this methodology can be effectively applied in other regions. In addition, a unique public ownership model was developed for a regional charging station network, and this model can be used to minimize costs and optimize the electric vehicle charging infrastructure services provided to the public.