Spatial and Statistical Analysis of Local Government Investment in EV Infrastructure
Overview
Meeting the Biden administration’s aggressive emissions reduction goals, as well as those of leading states such as California, will require a massive shift away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favor of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). Local governments will play a central role in investing in the charging infrastructure necessary to support this large-scale transition to ZEVs, including but by no means limited to their role in spending the $7.5 billion earmarked for EV infrastructure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, these governments face numerous challenges that may ultimately limit the nation’s ability to achieve its sustainability goals.
This study seeks to understand what role U.S. local governments are currently playing with regard to EV charging infrastructure, whether and how they are planning for future investment, what goals are delineated in their plans, how much capacity they have, how they engage with federal and state governments as well as private sector actors, and what policies or programs would better help them achieve their goals.
The student researcher will be advised by Bruce Cain, professor of political science, and Elisabeth Gerber, professor of public policy (University of Michigan)
Key Areas of Contribution
The research assistant will:
- Use geo-coded US Department of Energy data (provided) to map public and private EV charging infrastructure across the US
- Conduct spatial analyses to characterize the spatial correlation between the two types of charging infrastructure
- Conduct multilevel modeling to understand how the distribution of charging stations varies according to characteristics of different cities and states
- In addition, the research may involve multilevel modeling of looking at the locations of individual charging stations and the characteristics of different cities.
Qualifications
- GIS, spatial analysis, and statistical analysis skills
- Experience with Stata
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to carry out tasks independently
- Familiarity with issues relating to the electrification of transportation is preferred
This opportunity is open to advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Time commitment will be approximately 10 hours per week for the winter quarter, with the possibility of renewal.
Student athletes should confirm the impact of any awarded stipend on their athletic eligibility by contacting the Compliance Services Office prior to committing to a research project or internship.
Pay: $1500 - $3500, depending on academic/experience level.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. We are hoping to identify a candidate to start at the beginning of winter quarter.
