FHWA Seeks Input on Electric Vehicle Bus and Truck Chargers
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with help from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, has issued a Request for Information (RFI). They are asking for public comments on how to build charging stations for electric trucks and buses. These medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles need different chargers than regular electric cars because they are bigger and use more power. The goal of this RFI is to understand what kind of chargers these vehicles need and how to build the right infrastructure for them.
Key Areas of Focus
The RFI covers four main areas:
Unique Truck Chargers and Station Needs – Finding out what special features chargers for MHD vehicles need and how stations should be designed.
Charging Patterns – Learning how these vehicles are charged throughout the day and what patterns they follow.
Technology and Standardization – Understanding the technology needed and figuring out how to standardize chargers to make things easier for everyone.
Workforce and Supply Chain – Looking at the people and materials needed to support charging infrastructure for MHD vehicles.
This input will help the federal government plan how to develop and deploy EV chargers to meet the needs of electric vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators, drivers, charging station operators, and electric utilities.
Growing Demand for Electric Trucks and Truck Chargers
The number of electric trucks and buses on the road is increasing fast. Today, there are more than 17,500 zero-emission trucks in operation, which is ten times more than three years ago. There are also more than 160 models of these vehicles available.
Several factors are pushing this growth:
- Lower Battery Costs – Battery technology has improved and costs have come down, making electric trucks cheaper over time.
- Better Performance – Electric vehicles can now go farther on a single charge and match the performance of diesel trucks.
- Environmental Benefits – These vehicles are better for the environment and help companies meet their sustainability goals.
The Need for Better Infrastructure
As more electric trucks hit the roads, the demand for charging stations is growing. MHD vehicles have different charging needs based on their use. For example, delivery trucks or buses may need charging stations at depots, while long-haul trucks might need faster chargers along highways. The FHWA is asking for feedback to understand how to build a charging network that meets all these different needs.
One of the biggest challenges is making sure there’s enough electricity at these charging stations. The RFI asks for ideas on how electric utilities and fleet operators can ensure power is available when needed. This includes considering onsite energy storage and ways to make charging stations more reliable.
Standardizing Technology of Truck Chargers
Another major focus of the RFI is standardizing charging technology. For MHD vehicles, the megawatt charging system (MCS) is being looked at as a solution for high-power charging needs. The FHWA wants to know if this system should be the standard or if other options should also be considered.
The RFI also addresses concerns about cybersecurity. As the charging network grows, it will be important to make sure that stations are safe from cyberattacks. The government is asking for feedback on how to build secure charging systems.
Workforce and Supply Chain
Building a nationwide charging network requires trained workers and reliable materials. The RFI asks for input on how to train the workforce needed to install and maintain MHD chargers. It also looks at supply chain issues and the availability of parts needed to build high-power chargers.
Federal Goals and Private Sector Support
This RFI is part of a larger plan to reduce transportation emissions. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act both include investments to support electric vehicle infrastructure. The U.S. has set a goal for all new trucks and buses to be zero-emission by 2040, with a target of 30% of sales being electric by 2030.
Private sector groups like the Powering America’s Commercial Transportation Coalition (PACT) are also involved. These groups are working with the government to speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
How to Submit Comments
The FHWA is inviting public comments on the RFI. Responses can be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking Portal using docket number FHWA-2024-0028. The deadline for comments is November 12, 2024.
This RFI gives everyone a chance to weigh in on how to build the electric vehicle charging network that will support trucks and buses in the years to come.
