Advances and Challenges in Vehicle Electrification

In the US, light- to heavy-duty vehicles account for the largest portion of total greenhouse gas emissions. A rapid transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is critical in achieving the Net Zero goal of cutting carbon emissions. Approximately 11% of new car sales are EVs but adoption of this technology is still slow. The panel will present some of the EV adoption challenges, including charging infrastructure, charging behavior, changes in driving behavior and risk outcomes, crashworthiness, and other unintended consequences. Different research methods are used to address these challenges. The benefits of the approaches and findings for EV infrastructure stakeholders, regulators and policymakers, and researchers will be discussed. Lastly, the panel will review existing research gaps and emerging topics that still need to be addressed in order to increase EVs adoption while also supporting EVs’ safe operation.