Project description

As the transition towards transportation electrification accelerates in California, the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into transportation systems holds significant promise for reducing green-house gas emissions and improving air quality. However, the implications of EV adoption on transportation accessibility remain underexplored, particularly in the context of diverse demographic and socioeconomic communities. This research proposes a comprehensive framework to evaluate the impacts of EV-supported projects on transportation accessibility, with a focus on the State of California. The framework encompasses four key components:

(1) a review of existing EV-supported projects to identify potential scenarios analysis;

(2) the design and implementation of an EV survey to collect data on purchasing behaviors and associated travel choices;

(3) the development of an agent-based simulation model with an integrated EV module to simulate the effects of EV integration on travel behavior and system dynamics; and

(4) the creation of an accessibility calculator to quantify changes in accessibility metrics, such as travel time and distance to charging stations, resulting from EV-supported projects.

The agent-based simulation model captures dynamic travel behaviors among millions of individuals, generating detailed travel trajectories at the individual level and serving as a robust platform for accessibility evaluation. Additionally, spatial analysis techniques will be employed to identify areas with improved or reduced accessibility, and policy recommendations will be formulated to guide future EV deployment strategies and infrastructure investments. By bridging the gap between research and practice, this study aims to inform evidence-based decision-making and advance the development of inclusive and equitable urban transportation systems in the era of electric vehicles.