Nov. 21, 2022—A study focusing on future highway fast-charging networks for electric vehicles in New York and Massachusetts evaluates electrical grid infrastructure needs by looking at a proposed futuristic truck stop that allows for EV truck charging.
The "Electric Highways Study: Summary Sheet" outlines the study, which was put together by utility operator National Grid as well as CALSTART, RMI, Stable Auto, and Geotab. This study "evaluated what an electrified future could mean for highways in the Northeast—using current traffic patterns to estimate future fast-charging needs for 71 highway sites through the year 2045," according to the summary.
The summary indicates that sites could need more than twenty fast chargers in order to effectively support electric vehicles. Additionally, this could mean that there are certain sites that would need as much electricity as a "small town" to achieve full power. This could have an impact on the overall electrical grid, so the study suggests taking action now to build a "future-proof" infrastructure for the grid.
The summary says that benefits for electrifying highway service areas include supporting the EV transition and the needs of local businesses and interstate commerce as well as a reduction in pollution.
The study's proposed highway charging site includes fast-charging for light-duty vehicles, fast charging for medium-and-heavy-duty vehicles and high-voltage electric transmission system access.
