Abstract:

The debate over utility ownership of EV infrastructure is ongoing. The criteria for deciding whether public ownership and rate-basing the cost of charging infrastructure is the appropriate tool for developing this market, or whether charging infrastructure should be left entirely to the private sector, are unresolved. A further question is how utilities, third parties, and OEMs can most effectively coordinate/pool their respective expertise in a manner which preserves competitive dynamics, but optimizes EVSE charging decisions in the most socially efficient manner possible. While there are uncertainties around the commercial penetration of electric vehicles, a future scenario in which governments agree to substantially decarbonize their economies will involve partial electrification of the transportation sector. There are differences of opinion on the rate at which this transition will occur, but there is clear technological and economic traction towards much greater reliance on electric vehicles. New rate designs, better smart metering and charging equipment technologies, and a charging infrastructure that is convenient and price competitive will need to be developed and implemented. These are difficult but achievable tasks.