Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Optimization Tool, Bridging the Gap to ZEV Mobility

The transition to zero-emission vehicles presents a significant challenge for small and large transit agencies mainly due to the substantial capital investment required to establish and maintain the necessary electric vehicle infrastructure to support the electric fleet (EV). With the rapid evolution of EV technologies, a wide range of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) options are available to meet specific operational needs. However, the challenge lies in determining the optimal combination of EVSE that is both technically feasible and economically viable for a given fleet operation. Additionally, this challenge extends beyond the selection of EVSE and includes considerations related to utility upgrades, which still need to be determined. These challenges make it much more difficult for transit agencies to determine the best combination of EVSE for a particular operation and estimate the overall grid load. This raises the question of necessary utility upgrades, as EVs rely heavily on grid power.

To address these challenges, CALSTART has developed an innovative EVSE infrastructure Optimization Tool. This tool is designed to assist fleet (public/ private) in determining the optimal combination of EV chargers tailored to their specific operational requirements, such as daily energy requirement or based on the type of vehicle they want to transition to EV and its specific requirements. The tools optimized the sizing by considering various factors, such as charger power (level one/two/three-DC fast chargers), charging speed, charging station capacity, minimizing the capital and operation costs, minimizing the peak load on the grid, and compatibility with different vehicle models. Using this tool, fleet managers can minimize capital investment not only on the EVSE infrastructure but also on the utility upgradation. Furthermore, the tool also considers various factors to limit the load on the grid based on the type of vehicle and its energy requirements. Ultimately, the tool outputs various combination of results that represent an optimized selection of EV chargers and help facilitate the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Additionally, the EVSE infrastructure optimization tool kit is designed to assist fleet managers in determining the best size for distributed energy resources (DERs), such as microgrids, battery storage systems, and backup generators. The tool helps in achieving resiliency since zero-emissions vehicles rely heavily on grid power connectivity. DERs offer local power production and reliable backup during a grid outage. By integrating DERs, fleets can improve their resiliency, reduce operating/charging/refueling costs, and increase the use of renewable energy in their power supply. CALSTART's innovative optimization tool is crucial in overcoming this challenge by identifying the best combination of DERs tailored to each fleet's specific needs.