Michigan Public Service Commission Attn: Al Freeman, Executive Advisor to Commissioner Norm Saari 7109 W. Saginaw Hwy Lansing, Michigan 48917

Transcription

1 January 15, 2018 Michigan Public Service Commission Attn: Al Freeman, Executive Advisor to Commissioner Norm Saari 7109 W. Saginaw Hwy Lansing, Michigan Re: U Pilot Proposals in Response to Commission Order on December 20, 2017 Dear Mr. Freeman, Please find enclosed four pilot projects proposed in response to the Michigan Public Service Commission s Order issued on December 20, 2017 in the above referenced docket. ChargePoint s proposes the following pilot projects to address the Commission s identified issue areas across key use cases: Urban Charging Hub and Discovery Center Workplace Charging DC Fast Charging Corridors ( Fast Charge Michigan ) Smart Home Charging Thank you for the opportunity to submit these proposals for consideration by the Commission. Please let me know if you have questions or if we can provide further detail. Respectfully, Kevin George Miller Director, Public Policy ChargePoint, Inc.

2 I. Pilot Proposal A. Pilot Title Workplace Charging Pilot B. Pilot Summary This pilot will test cost effective and scalable models that will lead to an improved business case for workplace charging. ChargePoint will enable this by addressing both technical and non-technical barriers. Technical barriers include minimizing installation and equipment costs by leveraging utility incentives, including rebates that would be treated as regulatory assets. Additional technical barriers may be overcome by incorporating energy management software and other network enabled solutions in traditional utility processes and systems. Non-technical barriers will also be addressed by testing, analyzing, and documenting best practices around pricing policies and encouraging vehicle turnover, showing employers how to implement scalable workplace charging programs. II. Background on ChargePoint ChargePoint is the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the world, with charging solutions for every charging need and all the places EV drivers go: at home, work, around town and on the road. With more than 44,000 independently owned charging spots and more than 7,000 customers (including workplaces, cities, retailers, apartments, hospitals and fleets), ChargePoint is the only charging technology company on the market that designs, develops and manufactures hardware and software solutions across every category. Leading EV hardware makers, automakers and other partners rely on the ChargePoint network to make charging station details available in mobile apps, online and in navigation systems for popular EVs. In Michigan, ChargePoint has worked with customer site hosts to deploy over 800 charging spots, including individual residential stations, workplace charging, retail locations, national parks, airports, commercial real estate, and more. ChargePoint has a full range of smart, connected, networked chargers at all power levels, award winning industrial design, cord management, UL safety and standards compliance, maintenance-free designs, and widest temperature range operation. U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Workplace Charging Pilot 1

3 The CT4000 is our Level 2 commercial and mixed-use (workplace, fleet, and public charging) product line. ChargePoint s dedicated fleet product is our CPF25, which is a single port Level 2 station. For applications where DC fast charging is appropriate, such as fleet vehicles that return to the depot midday and need a fast top off before going back out on the road, we offer a CPE100 at 24kW and a CPE200 at 50kW DC charger. We have recently announced our latest ultra-high speed DC chargers, CPE250 and the modular based Express Plus stations for applications like highway corridors and transit hubs, with charging speeds up to 500kW. The site host network services offered by ChargePoint enable customers to manage their charging infrastructure using cloud-based software tools. These tools provide the station owner or operator with everything needed to manage and optimize utilization of their charging stations, including online management tools for data analysis, billing and payment processing, load management and access control. Stations connect to ChargePoint over a secure, cellular data network (or Wi-Fi in the case of residential) allowing station owners to manage all their charging operations from a single dashboard. Maintenance and customer service are a priority for our company. ChargePoint offers a comprehensive set of support services, including: a 24/7/365 hotline for station users, parts and labor warranty, site qualification, installation and validation services, and a helpline for site host specific questions. III. Key Issue Areas Addressed The Workplace Charging Pilot would fit into and support the following priority topics identified by the Michigan Public Service Commission: 1. Customer Education Recruit employers to become site hosts for workplace EV charging through a variety of customer engagement methods led by both utility and EV charging providers Workplace program participants will support EV education events for employees and may include ride and drive events, employee surveys and other direct engagements 2. Rate Design and Smart Charging Evaluate impact of pricing policies and rates of charge on driver behavior Incorporate renewable energy during work hours for smart charging as applicable 3. Grid Impact Evaluate impact of smart charging features on charging behavior and grid impact Evaluate workplace charging benefit to grid against cost of service 4. Deployment of PEV Infrastructure Explore expanded role for utilities in EV charging by authorizing cost recovery and rate of return for customers rebates for site preparation and installation of EVSE Evaluate impact of EVSE availability on EV adoption Identify alternative program designs that help accelerate EV adoption and provide utilities the flexibility to have a forward exit strategy without negative impact to market U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Workplace Charging Pilot 2

4 A. Project Partners & Roles Briefly identify different types of partners and their prospective roles. Partner EVSE Provider Utility Michigan-Based Academic Institution Workplaces Role(s) Sale of equipment and network services On-going equipment maintenance Data to support program evaluation and rate design Rebate for customer site preparation and installation costs Support customer engagement and recruitment Evaluate, and potentially implement, demand response program Quantitative and qualitative analytic and evaluative support to identify key insights to support development of scalable, statewide regulatory policy Purchase workplace chargers, with commitment to maintain operation thereof for at least five years. B. Value to Grid, Ratepayers, and General Public The Workplace Charging Pilot project will address technical barriers by focusing on designing and implementing cost effective and scalable workplace charging programs. Since demand for EV charging typically increases quickly after workplaces install their first charging stations, a scalable solution needs to drive program design. Workplaces and facility managers will quickly discover that they have electrical capacity constraints that limit the number of EV charging stations they can install without making costly electrical upgrades. ChargePoint has developed a powerful and innovative suite of network based energy management tools, some of which are in controlled release, and others which are in beta testing, which can help site hosts maximize the number of chargers while saving on installation costs. ChargePoint s software dynamically manages available power so more charging stations can be installed without upgrading existing wiring, panels, transformers or power at a site. This solution can provide significant cost savings while still providing drivers with a positive charging experience since vehicles tend to be parked at or around workplaces all day. Active power management tools can also be used to ramp up and down the amount of power delivered to a car at varying times of day. In addition, ChargePoint has developed other innovative network features that will be tested during the Pilot such as Waitlist, a virtual queuing feature, various smart charging and power management tools, and flexible pricing policy frameworks that promote vehicle turnover at the station and maximize utilization. ChargePoint will work with a Michigan-based academic institution to test and assess a scalable model for workplace charging, specifically looking at consumers preferences and responses to various energy management, pricing policies, and demand response programs (should they be offered or developed by utility partners). They will also evaluate how access to workplace charging impacts employees interest in EVs. A qualitative and quantitative analysis through surveys and access to ChargePoint station data would be provided to develop case studies, reports, or tools to demonstrate the business case for EV charging at workplaces. U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Workplace Charging Pilot 3

5 This pilot will result in signing up workplaces that are interested in installing two to four dualport charging stations and can commit to keeping them operational for at least four years. ChargePoint will seek geographical diversity for deployments. Workplaces will be required to cover the cost of EV charging equipment, and by having skin in the game will be more engaged and committed, helping lead to a successful demonstration project. Utility partners will support deployment of workplace EVSE by providing customers with rebates for program participants to install equipment on their premises, as well as customer engagement support to educate employers and their employees on the benefits of electric transportation through sustainable, grid-friendly charging behavior. C. Process for Analysis and Evaluation of Results Pilot project will be designed in tandem with a Michigan-based academic institution to ensure that outcomes are measured, evaluated, and analyzed in a manner that will best inform the development of long-term transportation electrification policy and regulation in Michigan. U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Workplace Charging Pilot 4

6 I. Pilot Proposal A. Pilot Title Smart Home EV Charging B. Pilot Summary The Smart Home EV Charging pilot will explore the relative value of residential electric vehicle (EV) charging for electric utility ratepayers in comparison to the full range of potential EV infrastructure investments by evaluating of EV charging equipment capabilities, residential electricity time of use (TOU) rate design, and load management techniques. Phase One Capture and compare costs Test the accuracy of embedded meter in networked EV supply equipment (EVSE) Evaluate optimal incentives structure to support deployment and grid-friendly use of EVSE Gather data to inform design of EV-Only residential time of use (TOU) rates Phase Two Evaluate direct load management of residential charging Test EV-Only TOU rate implementation with networked EVSE II. Background on ChargePoint ChargePoint is the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the world, with charging solutions for every charging need and all the places EV drivers go: at home, work, around town and on the road. With more than 44,000 independently owned charging spots and more than 7,000 customers (including workplaces, cities, retailers, apartments, hospitals and fleets), ChargePoint is the only charging technology company on the market that designs, develops and manufactures hardware and software solutions across every category. Leading EV hardware makers, automakers and other partners rely on the ChargePoint network to make charging station details available in mobile apps, online and in navigation systems for popular EVs. In Michigan, ChargePoint has worked with customer site hosts to deploy over 800 charging spots, including individual residential stations, workplace charging, retail locations, national parks, airports, commercial real estate, and more. ChargePoint has a full range of smart, connected, networked chargers at all power levels, Award winning industrial design, cord management, UL safety and standards compliance, maintenance-free designs, and widest temperature range operation. As of December 2016, ENERGY STAR established power consumption requirements for Level 1, Level 2 and dual Level 1/Level 2 EVSE. The specification provides allowances for network connectivity and U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Smart Home EV Charging 1

7 displays and establishes basic criteria for certified EVSE capable of supporting Demand Response (DR). Under these ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements, savings from ENERGY STAR certified EVSE will grow to more than $17 million each year and more than 280 million pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented, equivalent to the emissions from more than 26,000 vehicles. ChargePoint is proud to be the first and only EVSE manufacturer to achieve ENERGY STAR compliance on our range of Level 2 products. The site host network services offered by ChargePoint enable customers to manage their charging infrastructure using cloud-based software tools. These tools provide the station owner or operator with everything needed to manage and optimize utilization of their EV charging stations, including online management tools for data analysis, billing and payment processing, load management and access control. Stations connect to ChargePoint over a secure, cellular data network (or Wi-Fi in the case of single family residences) allowing station owners to manage all their charging operations from a single dashboard. Maintenance and customer service are a priority for our company. ChargePoint offers a comprehensive set of support services, including: a 24/7/365 hotline for station users, parts and labor warranty, site qualification, installation and validation services, and a help line for site host specific questions. III. Key Issue Areas Addressed The Smart Home EV Charging Pilot would fit into and support the following priority topics identified by the Michigan Public Service Commission: 1. Customer Education Evaluate customer engagement techniques when recruiting program participants 2. Rate Design and Smart Charging Generate key electricity consumption and driver behavior data Design electricity rates to incentivize residential charging to take place in a manner supports the generation of widespread grid benefits Evaluate accuracy and reliability of embedded metering in networked EVSE 3. Grid Impact Minimize EV charging from adding to peak demand 4. Deployment of PEV Infrastructure Identify the most cost-effective methods for overcoming barriers to deploying residential EVSE and implementing residential EV-Only TOU rates A. Project Partners & Roles Briefly identify different types of partners and their prospective roles. Partner EVSE Provider Utility Role(s) Equipment and network services Data to support program evaluation and rate design Rebate for program participants to offset cost of equipment and installation U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Smart Home EV Charging 2

8 Program Participants Michigan-Based Academic Institution Non-Profit Install EVSE and participate in data collection Allow for management of home charging as necessary Quantitative and qualitative analytic and evaluative support to identify key insights to support development of scalable, statewide regulatory policy Provide support to connect program participants with electricians and explore other opportunities to streamline program participation process. B. Value to Grid, Ratepayers, and General Public The vast majority of EV charging occurs at the home. Given longer residential dwell times, this is a use case in which there is a great deal of flexibility in when the vehicle must actually be charged. As such, drivers are often very willing, with the right incentive, to defer charging to later times when it is more ideal and efficient for the grid. Utilities are in the unique position to evaluate the most efficient, effective, and accurate means to encourage off-peak charging at the home. Several options exist today with EVSE technology to enable and incentivize this charging behavior including load management and using the embedded EVSE meter to support on-bill, or off-bill, incentives based on specific EV charging time-of-use. Successfully implementing an EV-only TOU rate hinges on the accurate measurement of electricity usage that is solely attributable to charging an EV. This can be achieved through the installation of an additional utility meter, though the upfront costs of secondary meters can be a significant barrier to enrolling customers. However, there are a range of alternative methods available on the market that can facilitate the implementation of EV specific rates that don t require the added cost of secondary utility meters. It is essential that efforts to overcome the cost barrier associated with secondary utility meters maintain rigorous standards for accuracy in measuring electricity use. This pilot will test the accuracy and capabilities of embedded metering contained within networked EVSE to allow utilities to implement TOU rates and engage in load management. In terms of precedent, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is currently considering a pilot proposal by Xcel Energy to reduce the upfront cost burden for customers looking to opt into EV tariffs by implementing the tariff directly with a smart EVSE. The MNPUC has ordered Minnesota Power to follow suit and develop its own program to pilot feasible alternatives to using traditional utility meters. See Minnesota Docket No : Petition for Approval of a Residential EV Service Pilot Program and Minnesota Docket Nos. E002/M , 112, 120: Order Accepting 2017 Annual Reports and Establishing Requirements for Next Annual Reports. C. Process for Analysis and Evaluation of Results The Smart Home Charging pilot will be designed in tandem with a Michigan-based academic institution to ensure that outcomes are measured, evaluated, and analyzed in a manner that will best inform the development of long-term transportation electrification policy and regulation in Michigan. U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Smart Home EV Charging 3

9 I. Pilot Proposal A. Pilot Title Fast Charge Michigan B. Pilot Summary The Fast Charge Michigan Project (Project) will demonstrate how utility make-ready investments can accelerate DC fast charger installations, facilitate longer trips by EV drivers, and increase energy dispensed to Michigan s EV fleet. The Project will help inform utility initiatives related to make-ready investments, alternative tariffs for DC fast chargers, distribution planning, and safe installations. II. Background on ChargePoint ChargePoint is the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the world, with charging solutions for every charging need and all the places EV drivers go: at home, work, around town and on the road. With more than 44,000 independently owned charging spots and more than 7,000 customers (including workplaces, cities, retailers, apartments, hospitals and fleets), ChargePoint is the only charging technology company on the market that designs, develops and manufactures hardware and software solutions across every category. Leading EV hardware makers, automakers and other partners rely on the ChargePoint network to make charging station details available in mobile apps, online and in navigation systems for popular EVs. In Michigan, ChargePoint has worked with customer site hosts to deploy over 800 charging spots, including individual residential stations, workplace charging, retail locations, national parks, airports, commercial real estate, and more. ChargePoint has a full range of smart, connected, networked chargers at all power levels, Award winning industrial design, cord management, UL safety and standards compliance, maintenance-free designs, and widest temperature range operation. U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Fast Charge Michigan 1

10 The CT4000 is our Level 2 commercial and mixed-use (workplace, fleet, and public charging) product line. ChargePoint s dedicated fleet product is our CPF25, which is a single port Level 2 station. For applications where DC fast charging is appropriate, such as fleet vehicles that return to the depot midday and need a fast top off before going back out on the road, we offer a CPE100 at 24kW and a CPE200 at 50kW DC charger. We have recently announced our latest ultra-high speed DC chargers, CPE250 and the modular based Express Plus stations for applications like highway corridors and transit hubs, with charging speeds up to 500kW. The site host network services offered by ChargePoint enable customers to manage their charging infrastructure using cloud-based software tools. These tools provide the station owner or operator with everything needed to manage and optimize utilization of their charging stations, including online management tools for data analysis, billing and payment processing, load management and access control. Stations connect to ChargePoint over a secure, cellular data network (or Wi-Fi in the case of residential) allowing station owners to manage all their charging operations from a single dashboard. Maintenance and customer service are a priority for our company. ChargePoint offers a comprehensive set of support services, including: a 24/7/365 hotline for station users, parts and labor warranty, site qualification, installation and validation services, and a help line for site host specific questions. III. Key Issue Areas Addressed The Fast Charge Michigan Project would fit into and support the following priority topics identified by the Michigan Public Service Commission: 1. Customer Education Increase general EV awareness with the deployment of DC fast charging sites along Michigan s corridors and populated on charging station locators such as Alternative Fuels Data Center, ChargePoint, and Plugshare 2. Rate Design and Smart Charging Generate key electricity consumption data that is unique to DC fast charging corridors Leverage short-term relief from traditional demand charge-based electricity rate structures to support the development of sustainable alternative commercial rate structures to reflect the costs of service without penalizing site hosts for lower utilization as EV market grows 3. Grid Impact Evaluate light- and heavier-duty charger utilization to inform future rate design Test correlation between access to DC fast charging along Michigan highways with incidence of long-range trips by EV and related longer-term charging behavior 4. Deployment of PEV Infrastructure Explore expanded role for utilities in EV charging through investments in distribution upgrades, electrical facilities, and site preparation (or, make ready ) Identify public and private partnerships to support DC fast charging corridors along Michigan Highways Develop installation procedures that ensure employee, contractor and public safety U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Fast Charge Michigan 2

11 A. Project Partners & Roles Briefly identify different types of partners and their prospective roles. Partner Role(s) Municipality Site identification and permitting support Commitment of public fleet utilization EVSE Developer Corridor planning and design Site acquisition Hardware and software provisions Construction management (beyond make ready ) Operational management Utility Site preparation and installation costs ( make ready ) Temporary relief from demand charges during pilot period Partnership with Michigan-based academic institution to develop sustainable alternative commercial electricity rate for fast charging corridor locations Michigan-Based Quantitative and qualitative analytic and evaluative support to Academic Institution identify key insight to support development of scalable, statewide regulatory policy Site Host Dedicated parking spaces with 24/7/365 access to the public B. Value to Grid, Ratepayers, and General Public There is currently a lack of DC fast charging equipment along highways in Michigan. In this early stage of EV, charging station service providers face unique barriers to developing networks of fast charging corridors. The proposed pilot will facilitate the deployment of EV charging corridors with utility support to catalyze private investment, increase driver range confidence, and prepare the State for the upcoming wave of EVs with larger batteries and faster charging speeds. Alternative Fuels Data Center DC fast charger map, January 12, 2018 U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Fast Charge Michigan 3

12 The proposed pilot would lower the barriers that make it difficult to deploy fast charging corridors in areas with low EV adoption. These barriers relate to costs associated with utility interconnection, charger installation, and demand charges. The pilot would enable utilities to fund and capitalize the infrastructure required to bring a new electrical service to each site. The utility would assume financial responsibility for all interconnect equipment including transformer, switchgear, meter, and line extensions ( make ready ). Private companies will be responsible for all other aspects of the service including corridor planning, site acquisition, construction beyond make ready, operations, and maintenance of charging station equipment. The utility would provide temporary relief from demand charges during pilot period. Demand charges as represented in traditional rate design can be a significant cost barrier due to the relatively highpower levels but low utilization associated with early EV market adoption. However, access to fast charging solutions are necessary to provide EV owners range confidence and enable greater electric miles traveled. The utility would work with a Michigan-based academic institution to model alternative tariffs for DC fast chargers leveraging real-world utilization data. Alternative tariffs may significantly reduce the risks associated operating DC fast charging equipment and support long-term viability of the sites. Corridor charging gives existing and prospective EV owners the assurance that they can recharge quickly while driving long distances along a highway. The deployment of DC fast charging corridors will increase access to electric transportation by facilitating intrastate travel as well as to and from neighboring states. Establishing adequate EV charging corridors will help increase range confidence and spread transportation electrification to underserved communities. Given that average charging needs can be met by residential and workplace charging, the Project also presents the opportunity to evaluate the extent to which the availability of faster charging is correlated with growth in grid-friendlier charging behavior. C. Process for Analysis and Evaluation of Results The Fast Charge Michigan Project will be designed in tandem with a Michigan-based academic institution to ensure that outcomes are measured, evaluated, and analyzed in a manner that will best inform the development of long-term transportation electrification policy and regulation in Michigan. U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Fast Charge Michigan 4

13 I. Pilot Proposal A. Pilot Title Urban Charging Hub and Discovery Center B. Pilot Summary This pilot will result in the centralized deployment of Direct Current (DC) fast chargers in a dense urban environment to simultaneously meet charging needs for light- and heavier-duty fleets, as well as general public charging for drivers without access to dedicated parking for longer-term charging. The hub will also include a Discovery Center where the public can learn about the range of benefits of electric transportation, understand how EV charging works, and test drive EVs. II. Background on ChargePoint ChargePoint is the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the world, with charging solutions for every charging need and all the places EV drivers go: at home, work, around town and on the road. With more than 44,000 independently owned charging spots and more than 7,000 customers (including workplaces, cities, retailers, apartments, hospitals and fleets), ChargePoint is the only charging technology company on the market that designs, develops and manufactures hardware and software solutions across every category. Leading EV hardware makers, automakers and other partners rely on the ChargePoint network to make charging station details available in mobile apps, online and in navigation systems for popular EVs. In Michigan, ChargePoint has worked with customer site hosts to deploy over 800 charging spots, including individual residential stations, workplace charging, retail locations, national parks, airports, commercial real estate, and more. ChargePoint has a full range of smart, connected, networked chargers at all power levels, Award winning industrial design, cord management, UL safety and standards compliance, maintenance-free designs, and widest temperature range operation. U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Urban Charging Hub and Discovery Center 1

14 The CT4000 is our Level 2 commercial and mixed-use (workplace, fleet, and public charging) product line. ChargePoint s dedicated fleet product is our CPF25, which is a single port Level 2 station. For applications where DC fast charging is appropriate, such as fleet vehicles that return to the depot midday and need a fast top off before going back out on the road, we offer a CPE100 at 24kW and a CPE200 at 50kW DC charger. We have recently announced our latest ultra-high speed DC chargers, CPE250 and the modular based Express Plus stations for applications like highway corridors and transit hubs, with charging speeds up to 500kW. The site host network services offered by ChargePoint enable customers to manage their charging infrastructure using cloud-based software tools. These tools provide the station owner or operator with everything needed to manage and optimize utilization of their charging stations, including online management tools for data analysis, billing and payment processing, load management and access control. Stations connect to ChargePoint over a secure, cellular data network (or Wi-Fi in the case of single family residential) allowing station owners to manage all their charging operations from a single dashboard. Maintenance and customer service are a priority for our company. ChargePoint offers a comprehensive set of support services, including: a 24/7/365 hotline for station users, parts and labor warranty, site qualification, installation and validation services, and a helpline for site host specific questions. III. Key Issue Areas Addressed The EV Charging Hub and Discovery Center would fit into and support the following priority topics identified by the Michigan Public Service Commission: 1. Customer Education Increase general EV awareness with deployment of DC fast charging hub Discovery Center provides opportunities for more in-depth customer education 2. Rate Design and Smart Charging Generate key electricity consumption data that is unique to urban charging hubs Leverage short-term relief from traditional demand charge-based electricity rate structures to support the development of sustainable alternative commercial rate structures to reflect the costs of service without penalizing site hosts for lower utilization as EV market grows 3. Grid Impact Evaluate light- and heavier-duty charger utilization to inform future rate design Provide direct consumer education about grid-friendlier EV charging behavior Evaluate gamification of EV charging to incentivize grid-friendlier behavior Test correlation between increased access to fast charging with longer-term charging 4. Deployment of PEV Infrastructure Explore expanded role for utilities in EV charging through investments in distribution upgrades, electrical facilities, and site preparation (or, make ready ) Identify public and private partnerships to support urban charging hub operations U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Urban Charging Hub and Discovery Center 2

15 A. Project Partners & Roles Briefly identify different types of partners and their prospective roles. Partner Municipality EVSE Provider Utility Michigan-Based Academic Institution Auto OEMs and Dealerships Private Fleets Workplaces Role(s) Site identification and permitting support Commitment for public fleet electrification and utilization Application to state government to support heavier-duty fleet electrification (e.g., bus) and related charging equipment through the Michigan s allocation of VW Appendix D funds to support eligible projects under the state s Beneficiary Mitigation Plan. Sale of equipment and network services On-going equipment maintenance Data to support program evaluation and rate design Site preparation and installation costs ( make ready ) Temporary relief from demand charges during pilot period Partnership with Michigan-based academic institution to develop sustainable alternative commercial electricity rate for urban charging Quantitative and qualitative analytic and evaluative support to identify key insights to support development of scalable, statewide regulatory policy Participate in test drives and support operations of Discovery Center Partnerships to support urban charging hub operations Partnerships with adjacent and nearby workplaces to support EV ride and drives and support access to workplace charging for employees. B. Value to Grid, Ratepayers, and General Public Most EV charging for personal, light-duty vehicles takes place at work and at home 1 with longer-term, AC Level 2 charging, which can be shaped to take place in a manner that supports the generation of widespread grid benefits. However, these use cases do not meet the charging needs for heavier-duty vehicles, certain fleets, and individuals and families without access to dedicated overnight parking. The deployment of an urban charging hub will equitably increase access to electric transportation itself by supporting the electrification of municipal bus fleets, private fleets (e.g., transportation networking companies and taxis), advanced and autonomous mobility electrification, and charging for urban residents without access to overnight charging. A pilot objective will be to drive utilization of this charging infrastructure across multiple use cases and improve utility load factor over time. C. Process for Analysis and Evaluation of Results Pilot project will be designed in tandem with a Michigan-based academic institution to ensure that outcomes are measured, evaluated, and analyzed in a manner that will best inform the development of long-term transportation electrification policy and regulation in Michigan. 1 US Department of Energy. Workplace Charging Challenge Mid-Program Review: Employees Plug In U Pilot Proposal (MPSC): Urban Charging Hub and Discovery Center 3