Formalizing EV Infrastructure and Management on Dalhousie Campuses

Abstract

This report provides some highlights and examples of Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure and management programs at eight different universities throughout Canada and the United States. Methods of analysis include interviews with important administrative positions that have a detailed understanding of their respective university’s EV programs. This includes matters of usage, policy, management, and support of EV related issues on campus. The report finds that many EV programs on campus’ throughout North America are in their early stages, and that there is no set EV management policy solution that can be implemented universally. The report also finds that the most successful and efficient EV programs are ones that connect important stakeholders including the municipality, community, dealerships, manufacturers, and the universities themselves. When these stakeholders work together, it creates a support network that makes it easier for EV owners to navigate, and encourages non-EV owners to consider this emerging market. Recommendations discussed include; better signage and policing of current EV stalls on campus, more education for students on EV and associated technologies, and a standardization of technology when it comes to the charging stations chosen. The schools parking policy should be updated to include matters related to EV. Finally the report recognizes the limitations of time, scope, and the infancy of campus EV programs at the respective universities. Future research should follow up with these universities in three to five years to give these programs time to learn from mistakes and perfect strengths.