Project Summary
The objective of this research program is to conduct research and provide technology and policy advice and recommendations for the state of California in the critical area of how best to develop the critical electric and hydrogen vehicle deployment strategies and infrastructure for next‐generation advanced technology vehicles. This includes both electricity and hydrogen fuel vehicles, in accordance with recently developed codes and standards and automaker plans for vehicle introduction in the 2010‐2015 timeframe.
This project will consist of two distinct but complementary research efforts to explore the critical infrastructure needed in California to support the introduction of electric‐drive and hydrogen powered vehicles. These along with biofuel and compressed natural gas vehicles are considered the leading options to reduce greenhouse gases and alleviate oil dependency in the transportation sector in the near‐mid term ‐‐ a critical and growing need with the steady increase in motor vehicle use in California and around the globe. The project will consider: 1) delineation of electric and hydrogen vehicle deployment strategies, 2) the latest technology developments with fueling infrastructure and how best to deploy that infrastructure in conjunction with the latest developments in battery‐electric, plug‐in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicle technology; 3) how early feedback from “real world” driver behavior and perception studies can be used to inform the development of these next‐generation refueling infrastructures; and 4) utility electrical grid and other fueling infrastructure (e.g., natural gas) impacts of electric‐drive vehicle deployment.