UCLA

Transportation electrification will bring significant benefits to society such as the elimination of tailpipe emissions and less dependence on fossil fuel in the transportation sector. The equitable distribution of electric vehicles (EVs) and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is a critical challenge for a successful electrification transition. While existing research of transportation equity significantly contributes to understanding either of horizontal or vertical equity issues in transportation, additional challenges are brought by the emerging trend of transportation electrification. This thesis proposes a multi-dimensional equity metric system to fill this gap, which evaluates the equity implications of the projected EV and EVSE deployment across different socio-demographic groups. Specifically, four types of equity are considered: a fair share of resources and external costs that are grouped into horizontal equity, as well as inclusivity and affordability that refer to vertical equity. This thesis also performs a case study addressing equity issues of the projected EV and EVSE adoption in Los Angeles County (LA County) in 2035 by leveraging the proposed equity metric system. The results of the case study reveal disparities in EV and public charger adoption, EV trip distance, trip purpose, and economic status. These disparities result in uneven impacts on different socio-demographic groups, highlighting the need to address equity issues in transportation electrification. Based on the case study results, this thesis proposed recommendations to address these equity issues, which provides valuable insights for local governments and transportation agencies.