Cadmus Support Yields Results for Electric Vehicle Research and Policy
WALTHAM, Mass., July 21, 2015—The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) among U.S. consumers has promising potential to help Americans reduce energy costs, lower emissions, and increase energy security. It also presents challenges for the nation’s existing infrastructure that can only be addressed through smart planning and thoughtful policy. Two recent Cadmus projects demonstrate the firm’s contributions to research and policy pertaining to EVs.
A report released in June 2015 by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) based on Cadmus research, Feasibility and Implications of Electric Vehicle (EV) Deployment and Infrastructure Development, is the first comprehensive examination of EVs undertaken by FHWA. Cadmus’ Damon Fordham directed the research team, and John Norris of Ricardo-AEA led the technical analysis, with support from Good Company, Eastern Research Group (ERG), and independent consultants Mark Stout and Doug Tindall.
Following foundational research, which included an extensive literature review, a series of expert interviews, and a forum convening more than 50 practitioners in the energy, highway, and vehicle sectors, the project team undertook a thorough analysis of the potential deployment of EVs in the United States and the potential impact on the mission of FHWA. The results of this research will help transportation agencies at the national, state, and local level understand how to prepare for the future financial implications, safety planning, and infrastructure development needs associated with EVs. More information on the project is available here.
“The analysis was eye-opening,” said Fordham. “For example, one key finding was that—even at the highest deployment levels we considered—the future impact of EVs on gas tax revenues is a small fraction of the impact of existing federal fuel efficiency regulations.”
Many states have already begun implementing policies to support the increasing use of EVs. In Washington state, a financial modeling tool developed by Cadmus will soon be helping facilitate expansion of the state’s EV charging infrastructure. A recently passed state law establishing funding for public-private EV infrastructure partnerships directs potential EV charging infrastructure developers to the tool, which Cadmus created to inform policy recommendations made by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES). The tool allows users to easily evaluate the business case for a proposed EV charging installation from both public and private sector perspectives. The tool and full report are available at: http://www.c2es.org/publications/business-models-financially-sustainable-ev-charging-networks.
About The Cadmus Group, Inc.
Cadmus is an employee-owned consultancy committed to helping our clients address complex challenges by applying diverse skills and experiences in a highly collaborative environment. By assisting our clients in achieving their goals, we create social and economic value today and for future generations. Founded in 1983, we leverage our staff’s exceptional expertise in the physical and life sciences, engineering, social sciences, strategic communication, architecture and design, law, policy analysis, and the liberal arts to provide an array of research and analytical services in the United States and abroad.
