Project Summary
The objective of this project is to forecast the impacts of spatio-temporal electricity pricing on electric vehicle (EV) charging behavior, drawing on established EV charging models and incorporating considerations such as smart charging acceptance and joint charging-activity time planning decisions. We aim to elucidate how current and future electricity rates may influence EV driver behavior, while accounting for heterogeneity in charging preferences and value of travel time. Using the Los Angeles metropolitan area as a case study, we develop future year scenarios for EV adoption and charging infrastructure access to evaluate the effects of pricing strategies on the demand for public infrastructure and EV-related trips. Our analysis encompasses a range of smart charging policies, including spatially and temporally-varying electricity prices linked to factors such as charging speeds, utility control, location, and enrollment in bill assistance programs. Results, segmented by travel characteristics such as household income, home charger access,and EV range will quantify the impact of EV charging prices on both aggregate and disaggregate network metrics (e.g., vehicle miles traveled and charging cost savings, respectively.) The results provide insights into the broader implications of electricity pricing strategies for EV integration within the transportation network. The findings of this project are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of EV charging behavior and access and inform the development of effective demand management strategies within the evolving landscape of transportation electrification.