Utility Support for Electric Vehicles

Helping utilities power the electric vehicle transition.

ACEEE supports utilities and utility regulators in their efforts to prepare for and expand access to electric vehicles. We host a working group for utilities focused on the unique challenges they face in developing electric vehicle programs serving low- and moderate-income communities.

We also work closely with utilities and regulators to help them plan for the increased concentrated power loads that electrification introduces, especially from electric trucks, delivery vans, buses, and other fleets. Accommodating these loads often requires updates to grid infrastructure, and delays in implementing these updates can slow charger deployment and reduce the rate of electric vehicle adoption. 

We gather insights and best practices from leading efforts, and we provide customized technical assistance on the following topics in response to requests from utilities and their regulators:  

• Compiling best practices for working with customers to assess fleets’ short-, medium-, and long-term power needs, including fleet assessment programs and integrating fleet data.
• Assessing the process for applying for and gaining approval for “make-ready” utility upgrades.  
• Providing feedback on utility medium- and heavy-duty program proposals.
• Documenting lessons learned from utility demand management strategies.
• Producing customized briefing documents on charging and load management fleet technologies, such as vehicle-to-grid technology.