State of Electric Vehicle Charging

As more countries transition towards Net-Zero, electric transportation becomes crucial for cities and countries to meet GHG emissions reduction goals. Supporting the electrification of various travel modes by providing and supporting the installation of publicly accessible charging infrastructure is an urgent and challenging matter. The NYCDOT asked the Columbia Capstone team to conduct a study to both develop a stronger understanding of the state of technologies to support EV charging and develop a framework for public micromobility charging infrastructure in NYC. 

For EV charging infrastructure, the team conducted research examining the inductive charging and battery energy storage systems; investigated the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of each charging technology; and conducted a feasibility analysis, stakeholder analysis, and partnership models to evaluate the maturity of these technologies for adoption in NYC. Based on the aforementioned study, the team proposed recommendations on ideal sitings along with suitable charging technologies for NYC. 

For micromobility charging infrastructure, the team conducted research to provide a framework for public micromobility charging infrastructure in NYC, particularly among delivery workers. The team also examined the best mix of charging infrastructure in NYC based on usage patterns in NYC, case studies in cities worldwide, and technology comparisons. This framework can help the city provide charging infrastructure for micromobility, helping to reduce emissions, increase accessibility, and ensure safety. In summary, this study provided insights into EV charging technologies and micromobility charging infrastructure in NYC. This research can help NYC transition to cleaner transportation while promoting the adoption of electric transportation.