Electric Vehicle Readiness

Hold on tight, we’re driving straight towards the future: Wisconsin is increasingly deploying electric vehicle infrastructure in counties statewide, and Energy Analysis and Policy (EAP) students partnered with Outagamie County to assess county policy and regulations to prepare for and encourage electric vehicle adoption. This included analyzing electric grid effects, expected growth of electric vehicles in the county, permitting and zoning principles, locations for public electric vehicle charging stations, and funding opportunities, all while ensuring equitable access amongst different communities. To stay on schedule for an estimated emission-free country by 2050, steps like these are critical, as transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.

Three EAP students worked in the Spring 2023 capstone course on this project: Christina Zordani, Public Affairs; Yasmine Abdennadher, Electrical Engineering; and Zach Thomas, Environment and Resources. The team identified several funding opportunities available to Wisconsin communities for EV infrastructure; examples of other model regulations, plans, and rebate programs in Wisconsin to encourage EV adoption; trends in population growth and transportation habits in Outagamie County; as well as favorable locations near major highways for future public charging stations. Ultimately, the group hopes their capstone project makes a difference not only in Outagamie County, but also in other Wisconsin counties looking to expand electric vehicle infrastructure. “Being able to use this report and apply it to other cities, towns, and counties in Wisconsin would be a big step for electric vehicles,” Zordani said.