Project 3: Systems of Systems

July ’24 Updates

Project Leads: Yuanrui Sang, University of Texas at El Paso, & Patrick Singleton, Utah State University

Key Accomplishments for this Quarter:

  • A manuscript from Noah Horesh (CSU) was accepted for publication in Nature Communications, summary as follows: “Results show meaningful variations in electric vehicle costs and emissions benefits across the United States, differing by vehicle category and charging systems: Direct Current Fast Charging, Battery Swapping, and Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer.” 
  • An electric roadway simulator based on the architecture (shown in Fig. 1) has been developed to simulate fast time-scale dynamics in the system due to traffic. Work is ongoing to package this simulator tool for open-source release with easy-to-use scripts and sufficient supporting documentation. A journal paper is also in progress which details the capabilities of this tool and presents simulations of case studies. 

Figure 1: Electric Roadway Simulator Architecture

  • A capacity expansion model based on the architecture (Fig. 2) has been developed. The model projects generation and capacity expansion based on inputs from DWPT technology and roadway electrification. The model supports an open-source framework and work is being done to create supporting documentation. A journal paper is also in progress which highlights this tool and describes a case study for the model.

Figure 2: Capacity Expansion Model Architecture

Additional publications include:

  • Dcosta, Graul, & Hasnat, “Understanding consumer adoption of light-duty electric vehicles” accepted for publication in Transportation Research Record.  
  • Sinton, J. , G. Cervini , K. Gkritza, K., S. Labi, Z. Song, “Examining Electric Vehicle Adoption at the Postal Code Level in US States,” Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 127, 104068 (2024). 
  • Qian, X. , K. Gkritza, “Spatial and Temporal Variance in Public Perception of Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis of Adoption Pioneers and Laggards Using Twitter Data,” Transport Policy, 149: 150–162 (2024). 
  • Mayhar: Factors influencing transportation mode choice (with implications for adoption) submitted to Travel Behavior & Society journal.  

Advancements in Alleviating Barriers or Challenges to Widespread EV Adoption:

  • Task 2: The emission analysis unveils the impacts of EV integration on emissions produced in the transportation and energy sectors. 
  • Task 3: Our analysis of survey data from Indiana is helping us understand the perceptions and knowledge gaps regarding EVs and EV charging systems. This information could help to educate the public and provide EV charging solutions that better address consumer concerns.  
  • Task 4: The enhancement of tools to analyze vehicle energy consumption at a national level is helping to better model the levelized costs of various EV charging technologies, to inform policymakers and industry about the most cost-effective paths forward.  
  • Task 6: The EV aggregation work reduces the burden of EV integration and provides benefits to the power grid. 

Advancements of Interest to Marginalized or Underserved Communities:

  • Task 2: Our work on air pollution monitoring and modeling is leading towards findings about disproportionate air quality and health impacts on different population groups. The team is meeting with local government officials and community leaders to get their feedback and help disseminate findings.  
  • Task 3: Our comparative analysis of traditional news articles and social media posts regarding EVs and transportation electrification shows that such public discussions are rarely centered around equity issues. Thus, there is an opportunity to frame local news stories and community discussions on EVs/charging around equity topics and to engage and highlight the perspectives and considerations of members of underserved communities.