In late July, The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), and the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation held a conference in Arlington, VA, with a significant focus on creating a comprehensive and accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the nation.

Jim Tymon, AASHTO's executive director, emphasized the importance of the conference in tackling pressing concerns related to the development and deployment of EV charging infrastructure. Topics discussed during the event included electrical grid capacity, charger reliability, and stakeholder engagement.

 

"This conference serves as a critical juncture in the future of transportation," Tymon stated. "The role of state DOTs and energy offices is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements and environmental concerns. Together, we have the opportunity to overcome challenges and achieve our goals."

One of the primary objectives of the conference was to facilitate the exchange of ideas and foster collaborations among state departments of transportation (DOTs) as they work towards deploying their National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plans. These NEVI plans were officially approved by the Federal Highway Administration in September 2022, signaling a pivotal step in the nationwide expansion of EV charging networks.

Throughout the two-day event, various sessions featured discussions on crucial aspects of EV deployment. Public utility commissions and electric utility companies explored the possibility of developing "EV specific energy rates" to mitigate high demand charges and encourage broader EV adoption. The focus also extended to improving EV charger reliability and enhancing the overall charging experience for EV users.

https://aashtojournal.transportation.org/national-conference-discusses-ev-infrastructure-needs/