Midwest Alternative Fuel Corridor Convening

Transcription

1 Midwest Alternative Fuel Crridr Cnvening Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Stassen Building, 600 N. Rbert Street, St. Paul, Minnesta [Skjegstad Rm] SUMMARY REPORT

2 Table f Cntents Backgrund... 3 Cnvening Summary... 3 Key Takeaways... 4 Cnvening Prceedings... 5 Hst Welcme... 5 Setting the Stage: Partnership Gals and Objectives... 6 Designated Crridrs and Infrastructure Gap Analysis... 8 Midwest Alternative Fuel Crridr Initiatives... 9 Filling the Gap: Strategy, Technlgy, and Partnership fr Infrastructure Develpment Sneak Preview: Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Statin Lcatr Redesign and Crridr Tl Imprving Visibility: Psting Signage and Prmting Benefits f Alternative Fuel Crridrs Funding fr Crridrs: Federal & State Funds, Vlkswagen Settlement and Innvative Financing Our Path Frward: Sustaining Partnerships fr Crridr Grwth Summary f Cnvening Evaluatins Appendix I: Cnvening Agenda Appendix II: Cnvening Participant List

3 Backgrund Sectin 1413 f the Fixing America s Surface Transprtatin (FAST) Act requires the Secretary f Transprtatin t designate natinal electric vehicle (EV) charging, hydrgen, prpane, and natural gas fueling crridrs. The Federal Highway Administratin (FHWA) is wrking with ther federal, state, and lcal fficials, as well as private industry, t help plan and prmte an Interstate netwrk f statins that will fuel vehicles pwered by clean and dmestically prduced alternative fuels, s cmmercial and passenger vehicles can reliably travel between cities, regins, and acrss the entire natin. FHWA has cmpleted tw runds f alternative fuel crridr designatins, the first in 2016 and the secnd in One f tw designatins have been assigned t each nminated highway segment: Crridr Ready - A sufficient number f facilities exist n the crridr t allw fr crridr travel using ne r mre alternative fuels; and Crridr Pending - An insufficient number f facilities currently exist n the crridr t allw fr crridr travel using ne r mre alternative fuels. Designatin status fr each fuel type were based n the fllwing criteria: EV charging: EV charging 1 facilities at 50-mile intervals alng designated EV crridrs. Hydrgen: Hydrgen fueling facilities at 100-mile intervals alng designated hydrgen crridrs. Prpane: Prpane fueling facilities at 150-mile intervals alng designated prpane crridrs. Natural gas: Cmpressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities at 150-mile intervals and at 200-mile intervals respectively, alng designated crridrs. In 2018, FHWA initiated a series f reginal cnvenings t encurage multi-state and reginal crdinatin fr the develpment and implementatin f alternative fueling infrastructure alng crridrs. The cnvenings fster an imprtant pprtunity fr states t evaluate the ptential f shared infrastructure investments and imprved cllabratin fr educatin/utreach effrts amng and between the public and private sectrs. The Midwest Alternative Fuel Crridr Cnvening was the first cnvening in the series and was hsted by the Minnesta Department f Transprtatin (MnDOT) in St. Paul n June 12, The cnvening facilitated meaningful engagement amng stakehlders t identify key barriers and pprtunities t expand the netwrk f alternative fuel crridrs in the Midwest. T supprt a reginally-tailred prgram n Midwest pririties, a planning cmmittee was rganized t help shape the gals and bjectives f the cnvening s prgram and included stakehlders frm state and federal gvernment, metrplitan planning rganizatins, industry, alternative fuel prviders, Clean Cities Calitins and ther nn-prfit rganizatins. Cnvening Summary The Midwest Alternative Fuel Crridr Cnvening was hsted by the Minnesta Department f Transprtatin (MnDOT) in St. Paul n June 12, A ttal f 52 stakehlders participated, five f which participated remtely via telecnference. The day began with intrductins frm MnDOT and FHWA leadership, fllwed by an verview f the gals and bjectives fr the day. T help set the stage and prepare participants fr the day s discussin, 1 FHWA s bjective is t establish direct current (DC) Fast Charge (Level 3) infrastructure at 50-mile intervals fr crridr designatins made in 2017, and later. 3

4 representatives frm the U.S. Department f Transprtatin (USDOT) Vlpe Center prvided analyses that can be used t supprt future crridr nminatins fr designatin in the Midwest regin. After a panel discussin n existing alternative fuel crridr initiatives in the Midwest, sessins fcused n key aspects related t imprving the reginal netwrk f alternative fuel crridrs. The Filling the Gap sessin featured alternative fuel infrastructure prvider perspectives and breakut grup discussins n the tp challenges and crrespnding best practices fr the planning and implementatin f alternative fuel crridrs. A representative frm the Natinal Renewable Energy Labratry (NREL) prvided attendees with a preview f upcming changes t the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) alternative fueling statin lcatr and intrduced a crridr planning tl under develpment. Later sessins fcused n issues relating t funding and building awareness f the availability and benefits f alternative fuel crridrs. The clsing sessin fcused n the actin items that cnvening attendees and FHWA shuld priritize mving frward. Key Takeaways The fllwing are the key takeaways fr enhancing and expanding alternative fuel crridrs in the Midwest that emerged thrughut the day s presentatins and discussins: FHWA s natinal alternative fuel crridr initiative has helped build mmentum twards greater alternative fuel crridr planning and crdinatin amng states resulting in increased partnerships. Crridrs present a unique infrastructure challenge because they transect multiple jurisdictins and require greater cllabratin t ensure success. Encuraging states t submit nminatins fr alternative fuel crridrs where there is demnstrated eligibility fr designatin (e.g. I-35 in Minnesta fr EV charging) is critical fr building ut the reginal netwrk f crridrs. Electric and hydrgen fuel cell aut manufacturers may be priritizing vehicle sales in Zer Emissin Vehicle Memrandum f Understanding (ZEV MOU) states t meet credit requirements, which may present a challenge arund vehicle availability in the Midwest. Ohi has the largest deplyment f medium- and heavy-duty hydrgen fuel cell electric vehicles f any state, utside f Califrnia. Key regulatry and plicy cnsideratins fr strengthening EV charging netwrks include: the level f crdinatin with utilities t streamline intercnnectin, the relatinship between electricity rates and the prfitability f the statin, and whether charging site hsts are regulated as utilities. State leaders can influence the adptin f alternative fuel vehicles in several ways. Figure 1. Cnvening attendees participate in discussins abut alternative fuel crridrs. Thrugh signage, DOTs can make cnsumers aware f statin availability and begin t nrmalize the use f alternative fuels. Hwever, signage must be strategically incrprated in such a way that drivers are nt verwhelmed. 4

5 States can als shw leadership by streamlining permitting prcesses related t alternative fuel infrastructure and incentivizing the use f alternative fuels in prcurements that the state has the ability t cntrl. State leaders can als initiate cllabratin amng different states in a regin and present a shared cmmitment t alternative fuel vehicles. Cnvening Prceedings Hst Welcme Diane Turchetta, Transprtatin Specialist, U.S. Federal Highway Administratin See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Diane kicked ff the cnvening by welcming attendees and prviding an verview f the natinal alternative fuel crridr initiative. The benefits f having a natinal system f designated alternative fuel crridrs include: Allwing fr inter-city, reginal, and natinal travel using clean-burning fuels; Addressing range anxiety; Integrating crridr planning with existing transprtatin planning prcesses; and Figure 2. Diane Turchetta prvides an verview f FHWA s alternative fuel crridr initiative. Accelerating public interest and awareness f alternative fuel availability. The criteria fr crridr designatin were determined in cnjunctin with the Department f Energy and NREL. FHWA led tw runds f designatins, in 2016 and Between the first and secnd runds, FHWA made tw changes t the designatin prcess: (1) nly direct current fast chargers (DCFC) sites will be cnsidered fr EV crridrs and (2) nn-rad hydrgen statins can be included. The third nminatin perid will take place in the fall f 2018, with the third rund f designatins t be annunced in the spring f Develping signage t crrespnd with the crridr designatins is a pririty fr FHWA, as reflected in the memrandum n the Manual n Unifrm Traffic Cntrl Devices (MUTCD) issued by the agency. The first crridr signs were installed alng I-94 in Minnesta and I-26 in Suth Carlina. FHWA develped a frequently asked questins (FAQ) page t address signage questins: 5

6 Charles Zelle, Cmmissiner, Minnesta Department f Transprtatin See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Cmmissiner Zelle welcmed attendees and emphasized that MnDOT has great interest in supprting alternative vehicle deplyment. MnDOT has a sustainability prgram that includes applying statewide greenhuse gas (GHG) targets t the transprtatin sectr and imprving fuel ecnmy f the MnDOT fleet. MnDOT is wrking in cllabratin with the Minnesta Pllutin Cntrl Agency and Great Plains Institute n an EV radmap fr Minnesta. Minnesta established a target f 20% f all light-duty vehicles (nrad, nt sales) in Minnesta being EVs by Figure 3. Cmmissiner Zelle welcmes cnvening attendees and discusses MnDOT s alternative fuel initiatives. Minnesta is part f the Great Lakes Zer Emissin Crridr Memrandum f Understanding alngside Wiscnsin, Illinis, Indiana, Michigan, and the City f Detrit. MnDOT is crdinating with Electrify America n investments fr EV charging infrastructure in the state. MnDOT is wrking with 17 ther states t advcate against rllbacks in vehicle emissin standards. Setting the Stage: Partnership Gals and Objectives Geff Mrrisn, Senir Assciate, Sustainable Transprtatin Practice, Cadmus See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. The breakdwn f attendees at the cnvening is shwn belw (Figure 4). Clean Cities 11% Cnvening Attendees Other 7% Natinal Lab 4% State DOT 20% Metrplitan Planning Organizatin 11% Energy/Envirnment Agency 11% FHWA Divisin Office 16% Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Prvider 9% Truck Stp Owner/Assciatin 4% Utility 7% Figure 4. Breakdwn f Midwest Cnvening attendees by representative rganizatin. 6

7 The results f three questins psed t attendees at the beginning f the cnvening during registratin are shwn belw (Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7). Prpane (LPG) 3% Which alternative fuel are yu mst interested in advancing/deplying? Hydrgen 18% Natural gas (CNG, LNG) 9% Electricity 70% Figure 5. Pie chart shwing which alternative fuels attendees were mst interested in advancing r deplying. What d yu think are the tp three barriers t creating successful alternative fuel crridrs? Supply <-> Market demand fr alternative fuels Lw cst f cnventinal fuels Statin ecnmics Cnsumer adptin f vehicles Lack f incentives/financing Lack f awareness f alternative fuel benefits Vehicle availability Visibility frm radway Pr crdinatin amng states Fuel supply Cdes/Standards Figure 6. Bar graph shwing the tp barriers t creating successful alternative fuel crridrs, accrding t cnvening attendees (each attendee received three vtes). 7

8 Figure 7. Wrd clud shwing what attendees hped t achieve during the cnvening, using ne wrd. Alycia Gilde, Directr, CALSTART See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Alycia utlined the gals and bjectives fr the day, including identifying key barriers, evaluating needs, increasing awareness, develping a reginal strategy, and building sustainable partnerships. She emphasized the imprtance f engagement and participatin thrughut the day. Designated Crridrs and Infrastructure Gap Analysis Mike Scarpin, Transprtatin Prject Engineer, U.S. Department f Transprtatin Vlpe Center Stephen Csta, Technical Analyst, U.S. Department f Transprtatin Vlpe Center See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Stephen and Mike shwcased alternative fuel infrastructure gap analysis examples fr the Midwest. Fr the gap analysis, Stephen and Mike highlighted available data n traffic and n-rad freight vlumes (current and prjected), and lcatin f existing alternative fuel infrastructure, and shwed hw these data can be used t priritize crridr develpment effrts. Infrastructure gaps and areas with highest ptential infrastructure demand were shwn fr bth MN and IN. Minnesta has pprtunities t designate prtins f I-35 as crridr-ready r crridr-pending fr EV charging. Prtins f I-35, I-90, and I-94 culd als be designated as crridr-ready r crridr-pending fr CNG. Prtins f I-35 culd be designated as crridr ready r crridr pending fr LPG. High traffic vlume grwth is prjected in Indiana (relative t adjacent states), prviding pprtunity t serve additinal alternative fuel vehicle custmers. In Indiana, the I-465 lp culd be designated crridr-ready fr EV charging and prtins f I-70 culd be designated as crridr-ready r crridr-pending fr EV charging. The I-465 lp as well as prtins f I-65, 8

9 I-94, and I-70 culd be designated as crridr-ready r crridr-pending fr CNG. The I-465 lp as well as prtins f I-65, I-69, and I-70 culd be designated as crridr-ready r crridr-pending fr LPG. Fr designatin nminatins, FHWA recmmends using existing infrastructure data prvided by NREL thrugh the Alternative Fueling Statin Lcatr. Data frm ther surces, such as PlugShare, is incrprated int the Alternative Fueling Statin Lcatr as it is cnfirmed. Tesla charging statins are nt cnsidered public charging statins since they use prprietary technlgy. Cnducting an infrastructure gap analysis helps identify prperty hsts with whm t initiate cnversatins fr ptential alternative fuel statin lcatins. Crdinatin with state and planning agencies can help identify ptential funding surces. Cllabratin with neighbring states can help identify pririty crridrs and ensure effective infrastructure placement. Clean Cities calitins are a valuable partner t have when cmpiling alternative fuel crridr designatin applicatins. Midwest Alternative Fuel Crridr Initiatives Partners thrughut the regin presented n innvative prgrams currently advancing alternative fuel crridrs fr electric, hydrgen, prpane, and cmpressed natural gas vehicles. Mderatr: Marcy Rd, Principal Transprtatin Analyst, Argnne Natinal Lab Carl Lisek, Executive Directr, Suth Shre Clean Cities [I-80 Crridr] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. I-80 is secnd lngest highway in the United States with a length f 2,900 miles and ver 3 billin vehicle miles traveled alng the crridr per year. Figure 8. Panelists discuss current alternative fuel crridr initiatives in the Midwest. Crdinatin calls with partners in the Midwest have been held t discuss items such as infrastructure barriers and signage pprtunities. Partners include Clean Cities Calitins, DOTs, Argnne Natinal Lab, state energy ffices, and utilities. Representatives frm tll rads, prts, natinal parks, travel bureaus, and metrplitan planning rganizatins (MPOs) have als been engaged. The partners crdinating alternative fuel infrastructure develpment alng I-80 in the Midwest have surveyed lcal prperty wners and businesses t engage them as stakehlders, assessed supprt fr EV develpment, lked at the ptential fr DC fast chargers, and are explring ptins fr bifuel and clean diesel infrastructure as well as truck stp electrificatin. 9

10 Lisa Thurstin, Senir Manager, Clean Fuel & Vehicle Technlgies, American Lung Assciatin and Minnesta Clean Cities [Michigan t Mntana M2M Alternative Fuels Crridr] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. The Michigan t Mntana (M2M) crridr prject cvers I-94 frm Billings, Mntana t Hurn, Michigan. It began in The main gal f the M2M crridr prject is t create partnerships t supprt the develpment f alternative fuel crridrs, cmmissin statins, deply vehicles, and prvide educatin and training n alternative fuels and the advanced vehicle market. The alternative fuels being fcused n alng the M2M crridr are electricity, natural gas, and prpane. T date, 6,000 gallns f diesel have been displaced alng the crridr. The M2M prject partners will cntinue prviding educatin and utreach t stakehlders thrugh aut shws and cmmunity events. The partners als plan t cnduct a gap analysis f infrastructure alng the crridr. Tim Sextn, Directr, Transit and Active Transprtatin, Minnesta Department f Transprtatin [I-94 Crridr] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. MnDOT fcuses n EVs because they allw prgress twards the state s climate gals. MnDOT helped frm a partnership called the Great Lakes Zer Emissin Vehicle Crridr, which includes five states and the City f Detrit, with technical supprt frm NREL and Argnne Natinal Lab. Semi-regular meetings are held with the partners, and the partnership has allwed fr crdinatin f related effrts such as priritizatin f the Vlkswagen Mitigatin Fund. Crdinating effrts amng state partners has been challenging withut dedicated funding r a binding deplyment target, such as the ZEV mandate. MnDOT fabricates and installs their signage in-huse, with a cst f $700 - $1000 per sign. S far, fur lcatins in Minnesta have alternative fuel crridr signage, with three additinal lcatins planned. Mark Finnicum, Chief Operatins Officer, Stark Area Reginal Transit Authrity (SARTA) [Hydrgen Radmap fr the Midwest] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Outside f Califrnia, Ohi is the state with the highest use f heavy-duty hydrgen. SARTA is wrking in cllabratin with CALSTART and ther partners t develp a radmap fr hydrgen fuel cell electric vehicles in the Midwest. The strategy is t use deplyment f heavy-duty hydrgen t lead t light-duty deplyment f hydrgen. Michigan and Ohi DOTs are seeking funding fr a Zer-Emissin Transit Crridr Actin Plan, which wuld allw fr lcal, reginal, and interreginal travel by EVs and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). They are als lking t create a smart crridr fr cnnected and autnmus vehicles alng the Ohi Turnpike. 10

11 During the discussin that fllwed, the fllwing emerged as key takeaways: Sme partners that culd be further engaged n existing alternative fuel crridr initiatives in the Midwest include clean diesel partners and cmmercial fleets deplying alternative fuels. Wrking n ZEV deplyment in nn-zev MOU states makes acquiring financial supprt challenging. Ohi s strategy f leveraging heavy-duty hydrgen deplyment t supprt light-duty deplyment is based n what was dne with CNG infrastructure develpment in the state. SARTA installed a CNG statin alng a crridr frequently used by a majr fd distributr, and ther infrastructure prviders then built ut CNG statins alng the same rute. Once the infrastructure gaps alng a crridr are filled in, range anxiety dissipates. Suth Shre Clean Cities can share best management practices fr LPG statin develpment. Suth Shre Clean Cities has wrked with Indiana DOT (INDOT) t apply fr Cngestin Mitigatin and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants and have wrked with the private sectr t install infrastructure. The Alternative Fueling Statin Lcatr nly shws LPG statins that have LPG available fr vehicles, knwn as primary statins. There are thusands f lcatins with LPG available fr equipment such as grills, and these are knwn as secndary statins. Siting an LPG statin fr vehicles in the same lcatin as a secndary statin may still be a gd idea as the critical infrastructure is already there. Within the area f alternative fuel crridr develpment, ne rle state DOTs can take leadership n is signage, thugh each state is unique in terms f hw it develps and implements signage. Nt all DOTs wuld like t be directly invlved with wning and perating alternative fuel statins. The way different states define what a utility is can affect the ecnmics f charging infrastructure. Fr instance, if a retailer installs a DC fast charger, it may nly be able t charge custmers based n the charging time perid instead f based n exact kilwatt usage. Educating state legislatrs n alternative fuels and having them becme familiar with the vehicles and infrastructure invlved is key t garnering their supprt. State DOTs can mbilize quickly and be valuable partners if there are clear gals and bjectives utlined fr a specific initiative. Title 23 f the U.S. cde prhibits cmmercializatin f rest areas alng crridrs. Therefre, an EV charger can be installed at a rest area, but the wner cannt charge a fee fr its use. Sme prtins f the interstate highway system were grandfathered in, s there are charging statins at rest areas alng I-95 in Cnnecticut, fr example, that custmers are charged fr. Filling the Gap: Strategy, Technlgy, and Partnership fr Infrastructure Develpment Public and private partners discussed the challenges and best practices fr the planning and implementatin f alternative fuel crridrs. Technlgy and fuel suppliers, utilities, gvernment and fleets shared perspectives n hw t fill the infrastructure gap. 11

12 Gilbert Nunez, Manager, Custmer Slutins and Business Develpment, Alliant Energy See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Alliant Energy is an investr-wned utility that ffers rebates fr new and used EVs, charging statins, electric-pwered frklifts, and electric-standby truck refrigeratin units. There is a lack f DC fast charging statins in suthern Minnesta and nrthern Iwa, leaving an infrastructure gap alng the crridrs there. Alliant Energy acquired data t learn mre abut their residential custmers, including hw many custmers are planning t buy a vehicle in the next 12 mnths and hw many have a prpensity tward green practices. Jel Fasnacht, Business Develpment, Alternative and Cmmercial Fuels, Kwik Trip See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. There are ver 600 Kwik Trip r Kwik Star lcatins thrughut Minnesta, Wiscnsin, and Iwa. In additin t cnventinal petrleum prducts, the lcatins ffer E-85, bidiesel, LPG, CNG, LNG, and renewable natural gas. Prducts are distributed with Kwik Trip s wn fleet, 83% f which runs n natural gas. Kevin Miller, Directr, Public Plicy, ChargePint See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. ChargePint EV charging statins are lcally wned and perated; site hsts make the decisin t invest in the infrastructure. ChargePint prvides sftware slutins and has data n 38 millin charging sessins. ChargePint prvides an app fr drivers shwing them where statins are and giving them access t infrmatin abut their charging activity. Fr wrkplaces, fleets, municipalities, and state agencies, ChargePint prvides slutins that allw them t tailr pricing and prvide an amenity t attract custmers, emplyees, r tenants. Key cnsideratins fr develping EV charging netwrks alng crridrs and in urban hubs include spacing between statins, number f prts per statin, verlap with residential and fleet charging needs, and redundancy t supprt emergency evacuatin rutes. Key regulatry and plicy cnsideratins fr EV charging netwrks include crdinating with utilities t streamline intercnnectin, understanding hw rates are shaped t create value, and determining whether r nt charging site hsts are regulated as utilities. Having cnsistency in the rules that regulate EV charging statins is critical. If the wner is a utility, they cannt set a price per kilwatt fr charging. Ryan Ericksn, General Manager f Strategic Develpment, Trillium See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Trillium was histrically fcused n heavy duty CNG fueling infrastructure. Trillium is wned by Lve's Travel Stps, which has 80 lcatins in the Midwest. Trillium designs, builds, perates, and maintains alternative fuel infrastructure. In additin t CNG, Trillium prvides prducts and services including heavy and light duty cmmercial EV charging and heavy duty cmmercial hydrgen refueling. 12

13 When building ut alternative fuel infrastructure, it is crucial t clearly identify the gals t be accmplished and then priritize prjects based n the gals. Trillium seeks t identify fleets with a sizeable number f vehicles that will be using their truck stps. Identifying these anchr fleets prvides a path t prfit and market acceptance f alternative fuels. Jeff Hve, Fuels Specialist, Natinal Assciatin f Truck Stp Operatrs (NATSO) See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. NATSO represents truck stps and travel plazas acrss the U.S. The rganizatin is interested in the adptin f new technlgies. The trucking industry has been thrugh the cycle f new technlgy adptin in the past with sme pitfalls alng the way, which is imprtant fr stakehlders t keep in mind when prmting the adptin f alternative fuels. Jeff annunced NATSO s new Alternative Fuels Cuncil initiative. The initiative is fcused n prviding fuel retailers with resurces t learn abut and incrprate alternative fuels int their supply fferings. Since NATSO als represents individual travel center wners that may nt have bandwidth t d their wn analyses, the Alternative Fuels Cuncil can prvide them with supprt. The Alternative Fuels Cuncil will help its members understand alternative fuel quality and navigate the alternative fuel plicy landscape. After the panelist presentatins, attendees brke up int three breakut grups t discuss barriers t filling in the alternative fuel infrastructure gap in the Midwest and the crrespnding actins private sectr rganizatins and lcal, state, r federal gvernment can take t vercme them. Key takeaways that emerged frm thse discussins included: Develping sustainable funding t supprt alternative fuel vehicles is a key challenge. Pssible ways t address this challenge are allcating funding fr the alternative fuel crridr prgram, charging cnsumers per vehicle miles traveled, leveraging publicprivate partnerships, and cmbining as many funding surces as pssible. Figure 9. Discussin leaders reprt ut frm the breakut grup discussins. Direct engagement with dealerships and riginal equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is critical fr effective educatin n alternative fuel vehicles. Dealers must be educated nt nly n available alternative fuel vehicles, but als the ptins fr fueling the vehicles. Parameters in building cdes such as requirements fr cnduit and wiring help streamline alternative fuel readiness. 13

14 T vercme plitical challenges, the value prpsitin fr alternative fuels must be made and the benefits must be clearly defined, withut shwing preference t ne fuel ver anther. Engaging maps and ther effective visuals shuld cntinue t be included in educatin campaigns abut alternative fuels. T build the business case fr alternative fuels, there must be regulatry certainty arund key questins such as the definitin f a utility. Althugh its impact may be verstated, the reductin in gas tax revenue caused by the transitin t alternative fuel vehicles must be eventually addressed. State leaders can influence the adptin f alternative fuel vehicles in several ways. Thrugh signage, DOTs can make cnsumers aware f statin availability and begin t nrmalize the use f alternative fuels. Hwever, signage must be strategically incrprated in such a way that drivers are nt verwhelmed. States can als shw leadership by streamlining permitting prcesses related t alternative fuel infrastructure and incentivizing the use f alternative fuels in prcurements that the state has the ability t cntrl. State leaders can als initiate cllabratin amng different states in a regin and present a shared cmmitment t alternative fuel vehicles. Finding custmers with fleets that are willing t cnvert t alternative fuel vehicles invites infrastructure develpment and helps make the case fr earning a return n investment. Frming partnerships is critical fr successfully building ut alternative fuel crridrs, including partnerships amng utilities alng a crridr and partnerships amng public and private sectr parties t leverage funding. Sneak Preview: Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Statin Lcatr Redesign and Crridr Tl NREL shared upcming changes t the AFDC alternative fueling statin lcatr and intrduced a crridr tl under develpment, allwing attendees t prvide their input and feedback. Matt Rahill, Alternative Fuels Data Center Lead, Natinal Renewable Energy Labratry See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. The AFDC was created in It is an nline resurce n alternative fuel vehicles and prvides calculatrs and ther tls. The Statin Lcatr Redesign and Crridr Tl is used t map rutes. The Crridr Tl is being develped as an utcme f FHWA s alternative fuel crridrs prgram, and will assist state and lcal stakehlders in analyzing crridrs. AFDC s Statin Lcatr is funded by the U.S. Department f Energy and uses data cllected by industries. NREL wrks with many netwrks t imprt statin data nightly fr electric vehicles. Other statins are validated n a nightly basis. 14

15 Charging statins such as utlets in campgrunds may nt be shwn n the map because they are nt necessarily designated fr fueling. If a user ntices a statin that is nt recrded, there is a link at the bttm f the webpage t recmmend adding it. NREL has helped with analysis fr crridr designatins, gespatial analysis, and EV resilience analysis based n charger type. The gals fr the tl are t: Assist transfrmatin planners in decisins abut where t extend their crridrs; Allw users t filter by fuel, highway, r state; Allw users t capture a snapsht fr a presentatin fr stakehlders r executives; Allw users t dwnlad a shapefile nce they have selected a state; Allw users t find the number f miles away frm a highway a statin is, and shw statins alng specified crridrs; Allw users t drp a pin fr analysis n whether a ptential site fr a statin wuld cmplete a crridr and if nt, hw many miles it wuld take t d s; and Allw users t click n individual crridrs t find hw many miles have been designated. During Phase 1, the tl will be lcated n the AFDC website but can be embedded nt ther sites. The Phase 2 tl will be mre interactive, giving users the ability t draw n the map, circle areas, and insert text labels. During Phase 2, the tl will als shw additinal layers like EV density. Imprving Visibility: Psting Signage and Prmting Benefits f Alternative Fuel Crridrs Partners discussed the strategies, partnerships, and resurces required t build awareness n the availability and benefits f alternative fuel crridrs, as well as experiences develping crridr signage and hw strategic utreach can drive demand and market grwth fr advanced vehicles. Ryan Ericksn, General Manager f Strategic Develpment, Trillium [Perspective shared fr Lve s Travel Stps] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. T increase visibility, Trillium has been advertising n billbards and using marquee signs t make them big enugh fr the rad. The signs highlight the price difference between cnventinal and alternative fuels. Anther mechanism fr increasing visibility has been utilizing printing and nline advertisements, especially trucking magazines. Trillium has a Lve s App which allws users with unique vehicles t search fr tls. Truck users are able t pay n the app using their mbile device. Trillium als ffers a Rewards Prgram that allws custmers t upgrade t a higher status level if they use alternative fuels, which gives them extra pints that can be used twards Lve s amenities. Chris Schmidt, Air Quality Manager, Illinis Department f Transprtatin Illinis DOT (IDOT) has significant mileage that is crridr ready (48,000 miles) and crridr pending (37,000 miles). 15

16 IDOT partnered with Argnne Natinal Lab n I-94 and I-80 crridrs as well as ther interstates that are nt n the FWHA crridr maps. IDOT uses the MUTCD memrandum that FHWA published n signage. They have an in-huse signage shp t handle materials, labr, and installatin. The cst f signs is relatively cheap, but labr csts assciated with each installatin vary by site. Lessns learned: There is imprtant wrk being dne, even if DOTs are nt always aware f it. There are many advcacy grups utside f state gvernments. Agencies shuld try t bring them int the fld. This can help maintain cmmunity buy-in. It is relatively easy and inexpensive t invest in signage, and will be nticed by the public. This can als cntribute t cmmunity buy-in. Frming grups can be an effective strategy. IDOT has successfully partnered with Argnne, Chicag DOT, and the Illinis FHWA Divisin Office. Cmmunicate that having a signage prgram is nt necessarily a lt f wrk; it culd be the installatin f just a few signs. Lrrie Lisek, Executive Directr, Wiscnsin Clean Cities [Wiscnsin Smart Fleet] Carl Lisek, Executive Directr, Suth Shre Clean Cities [Green Fleet Indiana] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Bth Wiscnsin and Nrthern Indiana have green fleet prgrams. Bth are spnsred by CMAQ grants. Indiana Clean Cities Calitin has a gal t educate cmmunity members and help them reduce diesel emissins. They team with Purdue s Lcal Technical Assistance Prgram (LTAP) prgram. Wiscnsin s Smart Fleet Prgram has ver 31 fleets arund the state, and they want t make the smart grant prgram available t fleets f all different sizes and types. It is a recgnitin prgram intended t help fleets identify where they have lw-hanging fruit. Gives participants the pprtunity t rise t different levels and be recgnized at an annual meeting, which can prmte cmpetitin. Indiana Clean Cities Calitin utilizes the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Envirnmental and Ecnmic Transprtatin (AFLEET) tl, which allws them t netwrk and assist their fleets in becming grant-ready. Indiana Clean Cities Calitin wrks with their lcal Natinal Public Radi statin n a Green Fleet Radi segment t highlight and recgnize alternative fuel prjects and crridrs and slar initiatives. Several mayrs have utilized this in their State f the City addresses. Clean Cities University is a learning prgram that helps users understand infrmatin related t alternative fuels, such as relevant tls and acrnyms. Clean Cities University ffers 10- t 15-minute nline curses with a test at the end. Samantha Bingham, Clean Transprtatin Prgram Directr, Chicag Department f Transprtatin & Chicag Area Clean Cities [Midwest EVOLVE] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. 16

17 The Chicag Area Clean Cities Calitin is a partner in an awareness-raising prgram called Midwest EVOLVE, which stands fr Electric Vehicle Opprtunities: Learning, events, Experience. EV awareness is lw, with studies shwing that nly 40% f U.S. drivers are aware f the existence f EVs. Lw awareness is Chicag Area Clean Cities tp barrier t EV deplyment. Lack f infrastructure and incremental csts are the next tw tp barriers. The Upper Midwest states have an additinal challenge f nt being ZEV states. There is a lack f diverse vehicle availability r manufacturing f alternative fuel vehicles. Partnerships with seven upper Midwest Clean Cities are intended t increase awareness. Chicag DOT has partnered with the Chicag Area Clean Cities Calitin t help reduce barriers t awareness. Fr ne event, they put a Chevy Vlt in the middle f a jazz festival with thusands f peple present. That intrduced the public t EVs and gt them int cars. They have hsted events reaching 50,000 peple and have gtten 3,000 participants t test drive an EV. They have hsted bths at large-scale events, including aut shws and state fairs. Electric utilities have helped t fund initiatives like these. Partnering with lcal events, like farmers markets, at malls, and in cmmunities can reach peple that may never have thught f EVs. At events like these, calitins r rganizatins can explain that there are variety f affrdability levels fr alternative fuel vehicles. Chicag s aim is t educate a variety f cnsumers. One f the mst imprtant initiatives is the peer exchange. Chicag is develping a way t help ther nt-fr-prfits arund the cuntry t duplicate this mdel. Chicag als has a prgram fr ride-sharing services. A single ride-sharing vehicle can have 10,000 riders per year. Give EV drivers the tls t educate their riders abut the benefits f EVs. Other actins t reduce barriers t greater EV adptin include: Hsting dealership trainings events, which are brand-neutral and are nt intended t generate sales. One challenge raised is the lack f incentives t sell EVs at the dealership level. Prmting wrkplace charging, because many residents d nt have public parking in Chicag. Installing EV charging statins in mre multifamily units. 70% f Chicag residences are multifamily units. Hsting EV frums that can empwer EV wners t educate their friends and clleagues n the benefits f these cars. Wrking with fleets t allw members t test drive a car ver a perid f a week. During the discussin that fllwed, the fllwing emerged as key takeaways: Dealership invlvement and liability issues have been a challenge fr Chicag fr test-drive events. 17

18 One issue has been putting miles n shwrm electric vehicles. Dealerships are nt respnsible fr prviding vehicles, and nly ne manufacturer has prvided them fr use. Owners are ccasinally willing t lend their cars. Wiscnsin requires signed waivers and fr users t pass a breathalyzer test befre ride and drive events. This helps minimize any liability issues that might therwise cme up. Fr infrmatin n the waste stream develped by EVs, Lisa Thurstin, Minnesta Clean Cities, is develping a cncept paper. Tesla, Argnne Natinal Lab, and NREL are all wrking n this issue. Additinally, the U.S. Department f Energy will likely be funding mre research n the recycling f EV batteries. 80% f an autmtive battery s life can be used fr statinary strage. Only ne facility in Ohi reclaims batteries fr vehicles. Increasing signage is critical fr a number f reasns: Fr thse with range anxiety, signage is extremely imprtant; Fr fleets making financial decisins, signage can be a subliminal message; and Signage can cnvince mre peple t adpt alternative fuel vehicles. At a planning level, envirnmental justice cmmunities are ften nt included in cnversatins abut alternative fuels. Cmmunities can be displaced when EV charging statins are installed. Many members f thse cmmunities might nt even be using thse charging statins. It is imprtant t cnsider the ptential impacts f charging statin installatins n cmmunities, including gentrificatin and increasing traffic in lw-incme areas, and cnsider fcusing installatins in multi-unit dwellings. It is als imprtant t think beynd persnal vehicles and mre twards the electrificatin f transit systems. Fcusing effrts n cmmunities where diesel emissins are highest can have higher psitive impacts t air quality. It is imprtant t cnsider pprtunities t advance heavy-duty vehicles and clean vehicle technlgies alng majr freight hubs (i.e., inter-mdal cnnectivity, heavy-duty peratins, ways t infrm and educate gdsriented cmpanies, etc.). Stakehlders may want t cnsider effective ways t cmmunicate with the gds industry arund freight hubs. Funding fr Crridrs: Federal & State Funds, Vlkswagen Settlement and Innvative Financing Partners evaluated the challenges and pprtunities t fund alternative fuel infrastructure prjects t expand crridrs. Tpics included federal grant prgrams such as the Cngestin Mitigatin and Air Quality Imprvement (CMAQ) prgram, state status n Vlkswagen (VW) Settlement funds and ptential use fr infrastructure, the rle f utilities in infrastructure csts and Figure 10. Panelists discuss funding pprtunities fr alternative fuel crridrs. 18

19 develpment, and appraches t innvative financing. Samantha Bingham, Clean Transprtatin Prgram Directr, Chicag Department f Transprtatin & Chicag Area Clean Cities [Drive Clean Chicag] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Chicag has leveraged technical resurces and the Clean Cities netwrk t help educate the city n what they can d t advance alternative fuel vehicles. Leveraged abut $70,000,000 fr federal and lcal funding fr incentive prgrams. The city s fleet is fuel-neutral, using E85, CNG, electric vehicles, and mre. Mst recently, CMAQ funding has helped them deply clean trucks and buses. Drive Clean Chicag received $15,000,000 in This was fcused in three different segments: a taxi vucher fund, a truck vucher fund, and a statin rebate fund. Taxis are high in mileage, s the city established vehicle vucher incentives f up t $10,000 t vehicle peratrs t supprt the purchase f PEV and CNG vehicle technlgies. The city decided nt t invest in EVs fr persnal passenger vehicles but rather fr fleets. Argnne Natinal Labratry and the AFLEET tl have helped cnfirm that EVs ultimately prduce fewer greenhuse gas emissins than ther alternative vehicles, even thugh the grid is mstly cal. Drive Clean Truck Prgram is a pint f sale/vucher prgram. Transparency is imprtant; all paperwrk and incentives related t the prgram are nline in a user-friendly capacity. Any fleet r dealership can see hw much funding is available, check eligible vendrs, etc. The prgram cvers 80% f the incremental cst f electric and hybrid trucks and buses. The mayr supprted Drive Clean Truck, which was launched during a very cld winter and lessened interest significantly. The city launched a case study n the effects f lwer temperatures n electric batteries and fund that there is a 60% reductin in range at 14 degrees Fahrenheit and belw. By including hybrids int the mix and partnering with industry, the city funded 50 EVs and 200 hybrids, with extended range nly needed in the winter. Statin Rebate Fund: Designated fr funding public DC Fast Charging Statins. Leigh Oesterling, Planning and Envirnment Team Leader, Ohi FHWA Divisin Office [Alternative Fuel Infrastructure/Transit] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. Ohi FHWA Divisin Office has used CMAQ funding fr infrastructure and alternative fuel vehicle fueling statins. Mst f the funds are allcated t MPOs, wh make the majrity f funding decisins. The state des retain sme f the funding. The Ohi legislature has a Diesel Emissin Reductin Grant (DERG) prgram which ffers apprximately $10 millin in funding biannually. It is a jint effrt between Ohi DOT and Ohi Envirnmental Prtectin Agency (EPA). 19

20 Ohi has dne several transit/fueling statins. The City f Hamiltn applied fr CNG fueling statin thrugh CMAQ. One private CNG fueling statin had a public-private partnership agreement, with Ohi EPA as the public partner. These prjects were chsen by cmmunity members, s FHWA s rle was t ensure they were eligible. DERG grants are available fr funding alternative fuel replacements f diesel trucks. Frit-Lay and UPS have als cntributed t grant pprtunities r ther funding surces. Jyce Newland, Planning and Envirnmental Specialist, Indiana FHWA Divisin Office [Public Private Partnerships and Electric Vehicles] Indiana has biannual funding cycles fr CMAQ. In 2016, they received tw applicatins fr public private partnerships t further electrificatin. DOT had ne ptential prject with the Truck Stp Operatr - Flying J fr Truck Stp Electrificatin (TSE), which due t prcurement requirements did nt prceed. The prject wuld have required a bidding prcess f a least three ptential cntractrs which caused significant delays and the prject did nt prceed. Angie Ple, Transprtatin Planner, Iwa Department f Transprtatin [Iwa Vlkswagen Settlement Plan] See presentatin fr mre infrmatin. T develp its Vlkswagen Settlement Beneficiary Mitigatin Plan, Iwa DOT assembled a wrking grup f representatives frm the Departments f Administrative Services, Educatin, Justice, Natural Resurces, and Public Health, as well as the Iwa Ecnmic Develpment Authrity. The partnership tk the fllwing actins: Created a website and sent ut a survey, with ver 500 public cmments n ways t use VW Settlement funds. Scred prjects using a cmpetitive grant. Funding pririties included achieving nitrgen xide (NO x) reductins and increasing cst-effectiveness n prjects. Set three applicatin cycles t bligate all funds ver the curse f ten years. Created a pl t use left-ver funds, and set funding brackets. During the discussin that fllwed, the fllwing emerged as key takeaways: Utilities are imprtant partners and are necessary fr success. Utilities have helped reduce barriers n infrastructure. They have been creative in interpreting certain tariffs, which wuld have made chargers cst prhibitive. Custmers ften are nt aware f existing prgrams, s utilities can get the wrd ut abut funding pprtunities and encurage participatin. Benefits t utilities include bringing in new custmers, wh increase revenue and are an incentive fr fuel prviders. Building EV infrastructure at larger stre lcatins (i.e., bx stres) prvides a new surce f ancillary revenue fr industries. 20

21 CMAQ funds supprt air quality imprvements and can include initiatives such as public educatin and green fleet prgrams. MPOs have different requirements, depending n regin. Federal funds are allcated t states that ultimately decide hw they chse t spend it. States can cnsult with MPOs n this. Language in the FAST Act suggests an added pririty fr electric vehicle and natural gas vehicle infrastructure alng certain crridrs. The VW Settlement and the Diesel Emissins Reductin Act bth have a scrappage requirement, which can be a challenge fr municipal fleets because there isn t an easy mechanism t factr in the time and labr required fr the prcess. Chicag decided nt t establish a scrappage requirement because they wanted t expedite EV deplyment and market grwth. There may r may nt be a scrappage requirement fr CMAQ funding, depending n the state. CMAQ funding can take a lng time. Esri and Edisn Electric Institute are tw rganizatins that prduce helpful technlgical research. Utilities als participate in influential research and can prve t be a useful resurce. Our Path Frward: Sustaining Partnerships fr Crridr Grwth Partners summarized cnvening utcmes, evaluated pprtunities t imprve reginal crdinatin, cmmitted t partnership, and put frth actins t expand alternative fuel crridrs and the marketplace fr advanced vehicle technlgies in the Midwest. During this sessin, participants were asked several questins abut advancing alternative fuel crridrs in the Midwest int the future. In respnse t a questin n next steps fr FHWA, the fllwing actins items were raised: Cntinue being available t Clean Cities and ther rganizatins fr questins; Indicate which crridrs culd be designated as crridr-ready based n existing infrastructure (the NREL crridr tl under develpment will help with this); Fster cllabratin beynd the annual alternative fuel crridr designatin applicatin cycle; Evaluate the MUTCD memrandum t see if the signage guidance facilitates the desired signage bjectives; Use the New Yrk Metrplitan Transprtatin Cuncil inclusin f alternative fuel crridrs within the reginal freight plan as a template fr replicatin; Prvide examples f public-private partnerships that were successfully executed fr alternative fuel infrastructure; Prvide guidance dcuments that include funding ptins; and Prvide links t existing interstate alternative fuel crridr initiatives. Figure 11. Cnvening attendees indicate their next steps fr advancing alternative fuel crridrs in the Midwest. 21

22 In respnse t a questin abut the visin fr the netwrk f alternative fuel crridrs in the Midwest in 10 years, participants indicated the fllwing: The system f alternative fuel infrastructure shuld be invisible, in the sense that drivers shuld have cnfidence t knw where fuels are available and assume they are available, as they currently d with cnventinal fuels. It is imprtant fr interim steps t be develped nw t accmmdate a variety f ways future alternative fuel crridr develpment can unfld. If the alternative fuel crridr prgram is amended, perhaps bifuels culd be recnsidered and included as ne f the alternative fuels. In respnse t a questin abut hw prmting alternative fuel technlgies relates t the ecnmy and jb creatin, participants nted the fllwing: States withut alternative fuel infrastructure are nt able t attract a certain prtin f turists, such as affluent EV wners. Lcal industrial parks culd prvide manufacturing jbs and surce the raw materials needed fr alternative fuel technlgies. Additinal data and case studies t shw the ecnmic argument in supprt f alternative fuel technlgies wuld be helpful. Particularly in states with high reliance n the petrleum industry, highlighting the advantages f having a diversified prtfli culd help the ecnmic argument. It is imprtant t find areas f cllabratin amng entities that may typically cmpete against each ther. Lastly, participants were asked t share their immediate next steps t further mvement n alternative fuel crridrs in the Midwest. The respnses included the fllwing: Enhance cllabratin between FHWA Divisin ffices and state DOTs t help identify crridrs fr designatin. Reengage existing alternative fuel crridr wrking grups, such as the I-80 wrking grup. Prepare fr Rund 3 f the alternative fuel crridr nminatins. Supprt the launch f the Alternative Fuels Cuncil and develp crrespnding guidance dcuments. Cntinue educatin f DOT clleagues abut crridrs and available resurces. Integrate crridr designatins int existing planning prcesses and netwrks such as freight. Develp a Midwest MOU similar t the Reginal Electric Vehicle (REV) West Plan. Engage traffic engineers n crridr designatins and the rle f signage. Wrk with state fleets t lead by example n alternative fuel usage. Utilize VW Settlement funds t develp alternative fuel infrastructure. Cntinue educating state legislatures n alternative fuels s they can develp infrmed plicy. 22

23 Summary f Cnvening Evaluatins An nline survey was distributed t attendees n June 15, The survey was intended t assess the effectiveness f the cnvening, as well as infrm the develpment f future cnvenings. A ttal f 20 attendees respnded t the survey. Their answers are summarized belw. Figure 12. Breakdwn f survey respndents by rle in alternative fuel crridr implementatin. Out f thse that respnded t the survey, mst were state DOT r FHWA representatives. The respndent wh selected Other specified that he/she is frm the public transit sectr. 23

24 Figure 13. Pie chart shwing respndents satisfactin with the verall cntent and rganizatin f the cnvening. All respndents (100%) were either satisfied r very satisfied with the verall cntent and rganizatin f the cnvening. N respndents indicated that they were smewhat satisfied r nt satisfied, which wuld have required further explanatin. What were the mst valuable aspects f the cnvening fr yu? Designated Crridrs and Infrastructure Gap Analysis Midwest Alternative Fuel Crridr Initiatives Filling the Gap AFDC Statin Lcatr Redesign and Crridr Tl Imprving Visibility Funding fr Crridrs Our Path Frward Netwrking Other Number f Times Selected Figure 14. Bar graph shwing the mst valuable aspects f the cnvening, accrding t attendees (each attendee received multiple vtes). Survey respndents fund that netwrking was the mst valuable prtin f the cnvening. Tw respndents selected Other, with ne writing that all the aspects listed were crucial and anther writing that the cnvening allwed him/her t see the energy and effrt in these crridrs, which was needed t cntinue the synergy. Respndents were allwed t select mre than ne answer t this questin. 24

25 Figure 15. Pie chart f respndents understanding f the alternative fuel plicy and infrastructure landscape in the Midwest regin, as a result f the cnvening. Mst respndents (70%) felt they develped a better, but nt quite slid, understanding f the alternative fuel plicy and infrastructure landscape in the Midwest regin, as a result f the cnvening. N respndents selected N, I d nt feel familiar with the plicy and infrastructure landscape r N/A, I was fully familiar with it befre the cnvening. Sme f the respndents (25%) said they develped a slid understanding. One respndent selected Other, saying that he/she just needs t d mre reading but left with a better understanding f the initiative and stakehlders. 25