Date of Award

2024-07-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Environmental Science and Engineering

Advisor(s)

Ivonne Santiago

Abstract

As the transportation and automotive industries continue growing, environmental and human health impacts remain a growing concern for planners, policy-makers, constructors, and the public as well (Krause et al., 2013; Larson et al., 2014). Although Electric Vehicles (EVs) are entering the market as a green technology solution to counteract greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), there are still barriers that need to be overcome for widespread diffusion and adoption as the best solution. These include disseminating basic information about the technology for public awareness, considering equity concerns, and ensuring equitable access to infrastructure for all (L. Lozada-Medellin, 2022).

This work is a collaboration between the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Research Center for Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) and the US Department of Transportation’s Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy and Health (CARTEEH). The ASPIRE Center aims for a sustainable and fair future for transportation infrastructure systems through widespread electrification of all classes of vehicles. The center focuses on incorporating electrified roadways and wireless charging solutions for EVs to charge either in motion or parked, thus eliminating the gas-station models and offering health benefits through cleaner air and sustainable infrastructure (ASPIRE, 2023). CARTEEH focuses on the impact of transportation on human health (CARTEEH, 2024).

To contribute to the center’s work, this study aims to advance vital knowledge regarding the environmental and social justice impacts of electrified technologies. These include EVs, EV charging stations (ChSs), and electrified roadways (ERWs). The study seeks to evaluate the environmental and social justice impacts of EV market penetration. Also, to identify and understand key barriers to EV public acceptance and adoption, concurrently fostering diversity and inclusion by accounting for historically underrepresented minorities.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

154 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Liliana Lozada-Medellin

Share

COinS