A pilot program that examines the integration of plug-in electric vehicles into the transportation network, as well as consumer behaviour and ridership patterns, will soon be launched in the Los Angeles area.
The announcement was made by the California Energy Commission, with EV Connect, a provider of electric vehicle infrastructure solutions, to team up with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Part of the project’s aim is to understand how viable a plug-in electric vehicle transit network is, as well as to establish best practices that will optimise the consumer experience and help to drive down the carbon footprint in the area.
At the moment, the transportation sector contributes a whopping 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in California – this is six per cent higher than the national average. That’s why part of the aim on completion of the project will be to further reduce priority air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
It is expected that the electric vehicle infrastructure will be targeted at strategic points including Canoga and Sierra Madre, as well as heavy traffic locations such as Universal City and Union Station. The study will also look into the integration of electric vehicle charging into Metro’s system and how this will enhance the transportation experience and attract others to consider electric vehicles for their daily commutes.
