Study mapping out EV infrastructure needs in GTHA

A new study is mapping out electric fleet readiness in Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe region.

The Pembina Institute has launched the Grid Readiness Project to help the transition from gas- and diesel-powered fleets to zero-emission road freight.

The Grid Readiness Project is a collaboration between thinktanks the Pembina Institute and RMI (formerly the Rocky Mountain Institute). At the end of the project’s research and analysis phase, Pembina will release a charging infrastructure Action Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) that will assist decision-makers in determining the best locations for commercial freight charging and refueling stations  and their anticipated energy loads.

Operators of large fleets have already begun to switch over to low-carbon and electric commercial vehicles, and uptake is expected to continue its rise. However, the adoption of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is at risk of stalling largely because the deployment of charging infrastructure has not kept pace.

“We’ve been witnessing the gradual shift to fleet electrification, which is likely going to go into overdrive in less than 10 years. This means enormous changes in the types of trucks and buses on the road and the infrastructure needed to power these vehicles,” said Adam Thorn, transportation director at the Pembina Institute.

“Given the timelines, planning for charging locations and energy demand needs to happen as soon as possible and decisions need to be data driven. ”

Utilities and energy regulators are only now beginning to make planning decisions that will address the steep increase in energy demand from zero-carbon road transportation. In the absence of research that can inform complex and dispersed decisions and investments, the Pembina Institute will undertake analysis using RMI’s new GridUp data platform, a tool guides utilities, energy regulators, and others on how to proactively locate, strengthen and upgrade charging infrastructure.

“Equipped with data-driven insights from GridUp, utilities and grid operators in the GTHA will be able to validate proactive infrastructure investments where the imminence of electric vehicle charging demand is clear, enabling rapid electric vehicle adoption that avoids unnecessary expenditures,” said Dave Mullaney, principal of carbon free transportation at RMI.

Pembina will also be working with municipalities, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to assess grid readiness and recommend next steps.

FedEx is supporting the project as part of its commitment sustainable transportation throughout Canada. FedEx is working toward transforming its entire parcel pickup and delivery fleet to zero-tailpipe-emissions vehicles by 2040, as part of its goal to reach carbon-neutral operations by the same year.