Electric Vehicles and You Home What are Electric Vehicles? How do Electric Vehicles compare to typical gas or diesel-powered vehicles? Electric Vehicle Charging Electric Vehicle Infrastructure in the Region Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Electric Vehicles Definitions
 

MPOs and Electric Vehicles

What is the role of GBNRTC and other MPOs in the transition to Electric Vehicles?

  • No Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance requires GBNRTC or other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. However, MPOs are responsible for administrating FHWA funding, and much of this recent funding is specifically aimed at increasing EV adoption.

  • NYSERDA offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.  

  • Many incentives currently exist to promote the adoption of Electric Vehicles. The US Department of Energy has a list of State and Federal laws and incentives:

    • NY Laws and Incentives

    • Federal Laws and Incentives

    • The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is also seeking proposals to develop DCFC Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in the state. The third round focuses on the upstate metropolitan areas of Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. DCFC infrastructure deployment has been slowed due to several interconnected barriers, including high installation costs (e.g., equipment, labor, and other soft costs), low utilization, and uncertain future vehicle technology. This program is designed to lower the cost of purchasing and installing DCFC EVSE for use in New York State, accelerating EV adoption among city residents and fleet operators, particularly ride-hailing fleets.

Future Technologies

  • Hydrogen Fuel Cells

    • Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) operate similarly to AEVs. However, they are fueled with hydrogen stored in a tank in the vehicle (much like gasoline or diesel for an ICE), and the fuel cell converts the hydrogen to electricity which powers the vehicle. FCEVs are in the earlier stages of development.

  • Solid-State Batteries

    • Solid-state batteries are expected to improve the current batteries used by EVs. The batteries are expected to have a larger energy storage capacity, a more lightweight design, and be safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The batteries also aim to use low-cost, abundant materials, reducing manufacturing costs, especially those associated with material scarcity.

Other Resources

o  https://afdc.energy.gov/

■ Alternative Fuels Data Center has much info on EVs, charging, incentives, and cost analysis.

o  https://www.fueleconomy.gov/

■ Provides information on fuel economy and incentives for specific models of EVs.

o  https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/explaining-electric-plug-hybrid-electric-vehicles

■ More information on EVs and PHEVs, charging, range, and availability.

o  https://www.transportation.gov/tags/electric-vehicles

■ Links to specific articles or information on EVs.