Stepping off the curb to hail a cab. Hopping in a taxi to get home from the train station. For more than a century, these yellow sedans have been iconic symbols of New York City and a daily presence in the lives of its residents.
Moniot and his team of researchers performed simulations leveraging a multitude of data streams including real-world trip data, driver shift schedules, overnight charging access rates, and even weather to explore the need for public fast-charging stations. The findings reveal economic and operational insights that could prove valuable to ride-hailing, utilities, and charging operations.
Public fast-charging stations are seen as a particularly crucial component in making the switch to electric rides-for-hire viable. Fast charging only takes about 30 minutes, while overnight charging can take up to seven hours. The quicker drivers can top off their batteries, the speedier their return to the streets and picking up fares.
Information supplied by the study on the locations where and times when demand might spike can help charging network operators come up with strategies to accommodate ride-hailing services as well as the average driver. Electric vehicles and their need for grid-supplied power also represent a major opportunity for utilities who are interested in the prospects of load growth. However, utilities are scrambling to predict how much electricity will be needed, at what times, and at which locations.
“Uber and Lyft have both pledged to fully electrify their fleets by 2030 across the United States.” SecretaryPete MitchLandrieu46 JoeBiden