Electrify the Empire State: Empowering Zero Emission Solutions
Medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MD/HDV) disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities (DACs); given prohibitive costs and limited technology exposure, electric transportation may seem non-viable. This project will solve this by removing transportation electrification barriers via inclusive community engagement, partnership development, and economic empowerment. The team recognizes the risks of a "one size fits all" mentality, instead implementing community-focused "right-sized" solutions benefiting both the community and fleet needs. Outcomes include 38 electric MD/HDVs deployed, 4 charging stations constructed, community members engaged, drivers / technicians trained, and STEM initiatives introduced. These will be measured via telematics, marketing campaigns, and management software. The project accelerates transportation electrification via real-world implementation of MD/HDVs, Type C busses, and truck refrigeration. The project addresses total cost of ownership (TCO) with smart charging / routing, efficient maintenance, economies of scale, and beneficial rate development. NYSERDA funding unlocks the potential to address systemic challenges by implementing people-focused solutions.
The team will engage community leaders and implement a rigorous plan, supported by local resources, to accelerate transportation electrification by engaging diverse fleets in multiple DACs. The project will exceed NYSERDA's expectations by cost-effectively removing barriers to widespread deployment. Increased electrification efforts will stimulate investment and drive down pricing and improve technology. Infrastructure partners will ease grid integration by leveraging lessons learned from pilot projects. Utilities will implement NYSERDA's EVSE permitting guidebook to ensure cost and time control. Reduced emissions, STEM initiatives, and job training create quality of life improvements. Freight and school bus projects are ideal models for replication, while local partnerships ensure project credibility. Utility efforts will create a scalable baseline while also stimulating the light-duty market, given the installation of charging stations. TCO is critical, so the team will educate the communities about the importance of this economic factor by creating user-friendly engagement platforms. Amazon and Sysco will also implement smart routing to reduce mileage and decrease traffic impacts. The project resolves the problems above by empowering DACs with the financial and educational means to create a better future. The team will measure emission reductions, vehicle deployments, and satisfaction of community needs, so the team can mitigate risks effectively. Throughout and at the end of the three-year effort, the team will collect data, solicit feedback, and document lessons learned, which will be communicated to diverse audiences. The project will have deep impacts on local populations, while creating a replicable template for creating broad impacts across larger geographies.