Solar-Assisted Charging for Battery Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Project Description

This project funds the process development, selection of a turnkey service provider, system design, siting, construction, commissioning, reporting/verification and management of solar-assisted electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle charging stations. These stations integrate renewable generation (solar) and electric vehicle multi-pod charging systems. Each pod will be capable of supporting a minimum of two plug-in electric vehicles per site and will target public shared- vehicle business models.

Initial process development will also include identification of shared vehicle program providers to participate in pod deployment in the TVA region. A research component of the project includes tracking the utilization of this type of system to gather empirical data to support additional charging infrastructure development for the TVA region. It is anticipated that TVA will leverage and build upon similar work performed with the Electric Power Research Institute to meet the goals of this project.

Project Implementation

Examples of target sites include: regional colleges and universities, airports and cities with strong support of regional transit systems and existing shared vehicle programs.

Project funds will be used in early years to plan and coordinate the pod deployment and solidify collaborative relationships with a turnkey services entity and a shared-vehicle program provider.

TVA will be responsible for the following: (a) identify, select, and formalize contractually a turnkey provider of services (b) develop a process to identify potential project stakeholders, participants and site hosts (c) leverage and expand existing work to develop generic pod design and site selection criteria (d) develop and implement milestone schedule for multi-pod deployment including applicable reviews and certifications (e) oversee high-level project activities and milestones to ensure they stay within scope and budget (f) serve as a controller and point of contact for any media, marketing or outreach activities associated with the project (g) report milestone activities/progress.

The Project Management Firm, or contractors hired to build the charging stations, will be responsible for the following: (a) develop appropriate site host agreements to ensure roles, compliance and maximize the utilization of the pods (b) manage logistical details for each project site including applicable solicitations, contracts, permitting, zoning, etc., with site host and applicable stakeholders – adhering to TVA criteria (c) modify generic pod design provided by TVA as appropriate to produce a site-specific design with project parameters; minimum size of PV panel is 2 kW per space; must have one AC-Level 2, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) unit installed per parking space (d) coordinate stakeholder interests (e) select subcontractors and supervise construction activities ensuring all codes, standards, and permitting processes are followed (f) ensure quality standards of pod construction and compliance through site commissioning and reporting activities (g) coordinate public education and outreach with TVA and site hosts to raise awareness of the pod, its functionality and availability.

* Dates are tentative and subject to change

EPA Agreement Five-Year Budget

$3 million

Contact Information:

Michael DeFilippis 423-751-6473 msdefilippis@tva.gov

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