Trucking fleets and electric utilities are getting to know each other. What’s common practice in one industry may be novel in another. Learn from some of the fleets and utilities most knowledgeable in trucking electrification to understand what to expect when transitioning to electric trucks.
Watch this one-hour webinar to:
Learn from fleets’ experience getting electric service to their electric trucks
Understand how utilities can best meet their fleet customers’ needs
Explore what construction considerations must be made before the utility will begin work with the fleet
Run on Less – Electric DEPOT Bootcamp #2: Grants and Incentives for the Trucks and Infrastructure
https://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-04-at-12.57.10-PM.png318522Kelly Barretthttps://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UCC_logo_web.pngKelly Barrett2023-05-04 12:58:212023-05-04 12:58:21Run on Less EV Bootcamp
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation offers webinars to help states and key stakeholders build capacity for electric vehicles and plan for charging infrastructure.
https://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/joint-energy-office-logo-square.png600600Kelly Barretthttps://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UCC_logo_web.pngKelly Barrett2023-05-04 12:52:002023-05-04 12:52:00Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) Webinars for EV News
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration sent 05/04/2023
The FHWA recently released version 2.0 of its Database for Air Quality and Noise Analysis (DANA) tool on its website. DANA is a tool created by FHWA to combine traffic data from existing data sources into properly formatted inputs to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model and the FHWA’s Traffic Noise Model Aide (TNMAide).
Improvements for DANA 2.0 focus on refining the accuracy of the calculations, but it also includes usability improvements, bug fixes, and the latest Travel Monitoring Analysis System data (2021). Some possible uses for DANA and TNMAide include assisting in completing noise analyses for NEPA documents, planning analyses to identify highway projects and mitigation measures, and MOVES county-level runs completed for various purposes (mobile source air toxics analysis, greenhouse gas analysis, etc.).
DANA Tool: The Database for Air Quality and Noise Analysis (DANA) is a tool created by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to combine traffic data from existing data sources into a single database and process the combined data into properly formatted inputs to EPA’s Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model and the FHWA’s Traffic Noise Model Aide (TNMAide). DANA provides real-world measurements of traffic conditions for use in environmental analyses, instead of relying on transportation models to generate base year traffic data. Finally, DANA helps ensure that environmental analyses use a consistent set of traffic data and processing methods across the entire country. FHWA provides the DANA tool as a resource to stakeholders and use of the tool is voluntary; however, using it may not satisfy all regulatory requirements.
To learn more about the DANA tool, see the DANA 2.0 User Guide, which includes sections on background, setup, operating the graphical user interface (GUI), data flow, and input/output data specifications. For web training, the DANA Tool and TNMAide Video Series offers short-format videos that provide an overview of the DANA tool and TNMAide, and describe installation and running of the tools.
Next steps include national runs for the entire National Highway System for 2019-2020 and DANA version 2.1, which will integrate TNMAide into DANA. Please contact DANAhelp@dot.gov or TNMHelp@dot.gov with questions.
More Resources:
Training
DANA Tool and TNMAide Release Webinar (63 minutes) or (PDF of slides) – This webinar provides an overview of the DANA Tool and TNMAide, demonstrates how to use the two tools through a live demonstration, and describes possible uses.
DANA Tool and TNMAide Video Series – These short-format videos provide an overview of the DANA tool and TNMAide, describe how to download and install them, and demonstrate how to run the tools.
https://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/USDOT-Logo.png12051200Kelly Barretthttps://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UCC_logo_web.pngKelly Barrett2023-05-04 12:47:052023-05-04 12:47:22Announcing Version 2.0 of Database for Air Quality and Noise Analysis (DANA) Tool
Information provided by US Department of Energy – Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. See original announcement here.
DOE sent this bulletin at 03/15/2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today announced the availability of $750 million for research, development, and demonstration efforts to dramatically reduce the cost of clean hydrogen. This funding—the first phase of the $1.5 billion in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicated to advancing electrolysis technologies and improving manufacturing and recycling capabilities—is a crucial component of the Administration’s comprehensive approach to accelerating the widespread use of clean hydrogen and will play a vital role in achieving commercial-scale hydrogen deployment this decade. Produced with net-zero carbon emissions, clean hydrogen is a key pillar in the emerging clean energy economy and will be essential for reaching the President’s goal of a 100% clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“Making clean hydrogen from abundant renewable energy provides America with yet another incredibly powerful fuel for many different applications, from low-emissions use in the construction and manufacturing industries to energy storage to powering our cars and trucks,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to new funding from President Biden’s historic clean energy laws, DOE is accelerating our effort to make this exciting and versatile fuel market-ready within a decade—supercharging America’s drive towards an affordable and secure clean energy economy.”
This funding launches the first tranche of implementation of two provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which authorizes $1 billion for research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen produced via electrolysis and $500 million for research, development, and demonstration of improved processes and technologies for manufacturing and recycling clean hydrogen systems and materials.
DOE’s Efforts On Clean Hydrogen
Clean hydrogen—which is produced with zero or next-to-zero carbon emissions—is set to play a vital future role in reducing emissions from some of the most energy-intensive sectors of our economy, including industrial and chemical processes and heavy-duty transportation. Clean hydrogen can also support the expansion of variable renewable power by providing a means for long-duration energy storage and offers flexibility and multiple revenue streams for all types of clean power generation—including renewables, advanced nuclear, and other innovative technologies. By enabling the development of diverse, domestic clean energy pathways across multiple sectors of the economy, hydrogen development will strengthen American energy independence and accelerate the American manufacturing boom that has already created over 800,000 jobs since President Biden took office.
Managed by DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO), projects funded through this opportunity will address underlying technical barriers to cost reduction that can’t be overcome by scale alone, and they will ensure that today’s emerging commercial-scale deployments will achieve long-term viability with tomorrow’s lower-cost, higher-performing technology. Reaching cost reduction goals will open new markets for clean hydrogen—creating more clean energy jobs, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness in the global clean energy market.
Together with the regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs), tax incentives in the President’s historic Inflation Reduction Act, and ongoing research, development, and demonstration in the DOE Hydrogen Program, these investments will help DOE achieve its ambitious Hydrogen Shot goal of being able to produce $1 per kilogram of clean hydrogen within a decade.
By enabling a sustainable clean hydrogen economy, these investments will help reduce harmful emissions in communities across the country, which will be especially beneficial for disadvantaged communities that have suffered disproportionately from local air pollution for far too long. Additionally, DOE’s National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap and President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative serve as important pillars driving the energy justice efforts by HFTO and the Hydrogen Program.
DOE envisions granting multiple financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements, with the period of performance being approximately two to five years. DOE encourages applicant teams that include stakeholders within academia, industry, and national laboratories across multiple technical disciplines. Teams are also encouraged to include representation from diverse entities such as minority-serving institutions, labor unions, tribal nations, community colleges, and other entities connected through Opportunity Zones.
The application process will include two phases: a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase. Concept papers are due on April 19, 2023, and full applications are due on July 19, 2023.
The multi-billion-dollar program will fund electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in communities across the country and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways.
This program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide $2.5 billion over five years to a wide range of applicants, including cities, counties, local governments, and tribes. The CFI Discretionary Grant Program builds on the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, for which the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published finalized minimum standards earlier this month.
This first round of funding makes up to $700 million from Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 and 2023 funding available to strategically deploy EV charging and other alternative vehicle-fueling infrastructure projects in publicly accessible locations in urban and rural communities, as well as along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).
Focus on Equitable Distribution of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure
A priority of the CFI Discretionary Grant Program is bringing EV charging into urban and rural communities; downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities; as well as to designated alternative fuel corridors.
FHWA seeks to fund projects that address environmental justice, particularly for communities such as rural and low- and moderate-income neighborhoods that may disproportionately experience the consequences of climate change and other pollutants.
“It’s critical that we build a national charging network that provides EV drivers with the right type of charging in the right location—whether that’s high-powered charging on highway corridors and in urban hubs or Level 2 charging where EV drivers or riders live, work, and play,” said Joint Office Executive Director Gabe Klein. “By working with cities and communities through the CFI Program to get this mix right, we can ensure that everyone has convenient and affordable access to riding and driving electric.”
New Joint Office Consortium to Integrate Equity into EV Infrastructure
The Joint Office, through the new Joint Office United Support for Transportation (JUST) Lab Consortium, will convene three U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories, to help identify practical approaches to integrate equity into federally-funded EV infrastructure deployment efforts—like projects awarded under the CFI Program—spanning deployment planning, implementation pathways, and policy design.
New Resources on DriveElectric.gov Support CFI Discretionary Grant Program Applicants
To support the CFI Discretionary Grant Program, the Joint Office has published some new resources on DriveElectric.gov. Learn about key considerations from past DOE-funded projects on curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging, EV car share, EV charging for multifamily housing, and EV mobility hubs. These lessons learned, include:
Best practices for engaging stakeholders
Strategies for improving the equitable distribution of project benefits
Site selection factors
Permitting/policy elements that could impact the project.
More information on the CFI Discretionary Grant Program and the JUST Lab Consortium can be found at DriveElectric.gov.
About the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
The Joint Office provides technical assistance, analysis, and support to states and localities to help modernize the nation’s transportation system and give Americans the option to choose electric vehicles and save money fueling their vehicles. Learn more at DriveElectric.gov.
Sign up to receive regular communications about Joint Office vacancy announcements, webinars, news, funding opportunities, and thought leadership pieces on creating a future where everyone can ride and drive electric.
https://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grants-Keyboard.jpg300500Kelly Barretthttps://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UCC_logo_web.pngKelly Barrett2023-03-15 10:28:562023-03-15 10:28:56Funding Announced for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program
Information provided by Technical Response Team (February 2023), a resource Provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Can you provide information on existing curriculum and training programs for electric vehicle (EV) mechanics and EV charging equipment installers?
With new investments in deploying EV charging stations nationwide, it’s important that the EV workforce is prepared to safely work on EVs and install EV charging equipment. Below are example training programs for EV mechanics and EV charging equipment installers. Note that we don’t endorse these trainings over others.
Examples of Existing Certifications Programs for EV Maintenance
Weber State University EV Training: Prepare for the high-voltage vehicles of yesterday, today and the future with Weber State University’s Automotive Services training program. This three-phase program is the only one of its kind in the region. While you will benefit from basic electrical theory training before taking Phase 1 of this three-phase course, no prerequisites are required! Start down the path to earning your ASE L3 Light Duty Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Certification through our sequence of courses.
National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC): NAFTC’s EV Automotive Technician Training covers powertrains for different types of EVs. It explains motor-generator operation, testing, and diagnostic equipment. It details EV direct current and alternating current converters in the various high and low voltage electrical systems in EVs.
AFV Educate: AFV Educate is a global technology and training organization specialized in alternative fuel vehicle training for first responders, second responders, and automotive technicians and offer a course specific to EV and hybrid electric vehicles. Notably, AFV Educate launched a program to support the needs of the Clean Cities network. They are looking to support Clean Cities with applying for funding opportunities and can provide requested materials and offer a cost-share percentage. For more information about how AFV Educate can support Clean Cities coalitions, including a testimonial from Ann Vail, Louisiana Clean Fuels, see their Clean Cities flyer here.
Cerritos College: Jannet Malig, Long Beach Clean Cities, supports workforce training program through her host organization, Cerritos College. You can see automotive training courses on this page, including their EV training courses. As you may know, Margo Sidener, Silicon Valley Clean Cities, Colin Messer, Land of Enchantment Clean Cities, and Jannet shared their Coalition Project Highlights related to Workforce Training at the past Clean Cities Training Workshop. This presentation may be a useful resource for those looking to develop workforce development opportunities in their communities and you may consider connecting with these directors more insight. Clean Cities coalitions should check their local community colleges for relevant technician training courses or programs.
EV Charging Station Installation Training Programs
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the final minimum standards and requirements for federally funded EV infrastructure projects, including projected funded under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Section 680.106(j) starting on PDF page 132 of the Final Rule states:
“All electricians installing, operating, or maintaining [electric vehicle supply equipment] must meet one of the following requirements:
(i) Certification from the [Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP)].
(ii) Graduation or a continuing education certificate from a registered apprenticeship program for electricians that includes charger-specific training and is developed as a part of a national guideline standard approved by the Department of Labor in consultation with the Department of Transportation.”
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program: EVITP is a non-profit partnership of EV stakeholders, including automakers, utilities, EV charging station manufacturers, energy storage device manufacturers, electrical inspectors, electrical contractors, electrical workers, and first responders The training includes site assessment, load calculations, National Electric Code, job-site safety, personal protection equipment, and other installation and maintenance best practices. Training is available online for all states and provides up-skilling for state licensed or certified electricians, in states that do not license or certify electricians, the participant must provide documentation of a minimum of 8,000 hours of hands-on electrical construction experience.
FHWA recommends states familiarize themselves with federal funding options that are available for workforce development and training related to EV infrastructure. DOT’s Highway Funding for Workforce Development Fact Sheet provides information on workforce development projects that are eligible for funding and example projects. Further, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Labor worked together to produce a Frequently Asked Questions document regarding how state transportation agencies can support workforce development projects, including the NEVI Formula Program. Per FHWA’s NEVI Formula Program Guidance, states were required to include labor and workforce considerations in their final EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan). As such, states may be developing EV charging installation programs as they begin implementing their plans. We recommend reviewing your state’s Plan and official NEVI Formula Program planning website on the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation State Plan website.
Lastly, some EV charging providers have a preferred-contractor network and/or offer specific training courses to work on their EV chargers. Again, note that we don’t endorse these trainings over others, but some examples are:
https://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/AdobeStock_60888536-scaled.jpeg17552560Kelly Barretthttps://utahcleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UCC_logo_web.pngKelly Barrett2023-02-23 13:25:512023-02-23 13:39:29Tech Question of the Week: EV Training Opportunities for Mechanics and Charging Equipment Installers
Purpose: strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work – urban and rural areas alike – in addition to along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). Projects funded under the Community Program will be prioritized within: Rural areas; Low-and moderate-income neighborhoods; Communities with low ratios of private parking spaces; Communities with high ratios of multi unit dwellings
Available Funding: $700M for FY 2023; $2.5B over 5 years
Award ID: TBD
Close Dates: TBD
Eligible Entities: States or political subdivision of States; Metropolitan planning organizations; Unit of local governments; Special purpose districts or public authorities with a transportation function, including port authorities; Indian tribes; U.S. Territories; Authorities, agencies, or instrumentalities or entities owned by, one or more entities listed above; State or local authorities with ownership of publicly accessible transportation facilities (applies to Community Program only)
Agency: DOE/EERE Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
Purpose: Aims to advance the mission and vision of the Joint Office by addressing discrete challenges to a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable electric vehicle (EV) charging network by enhancing institutional capacity, encouraging holistic approaches, fostering inclusive and equitable outcomes, and ensuring a world-class customer experience.
Purpose: This FOA will advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) in several areas critical to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, including: reduction of weight and cost of batteries, reduction in life cycle emissions of advanced lightweight materials, reduced costs and advanced technologies for both on- and off-road vehicle charging and infrastructure, innovative public transit solutions, and training to increase deployment of these technologies among diverse communities.
Purpose: purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.
Available Funding: $1.22 billion
Award ID: FTA-2023-002-TPM-LWNO
Close Dates: Apr 13, 2023
Eligible Entities: State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), County governments, City or township governments. Eligible applicants include designated recipients, States (including territories and Washington D.C.), local governmental authorities, and Indian Tribes.
Purpose: provide technical, legal, and financial advisory assistance, evaluating potential projects to be delivered through alternative delivery through alternative delivery methods.
Available Funding: $10million
Award ID: TBD
Close Dates: TBD
Eligible Entities: rural state, local, and tribal governments
Purpose: planning grants and capital construction grants, as well as technical assistance, to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation, or replacement of eligible transportation infrastructure facilities.
Available Funding: $1billion
Award ID: TBD
Close Dates: TBD
Eligible Entities: States, Units of local government, Federally recognized Tribal governments, Metropolitan planning organizations, Nonprofit organizations
Purpose: fund purpose-driven innovation to build data and technology capacity and expertise for State, local, and Tribal governments. Communities should target their real-world challenges where the use of new technologies and approaches can create benefits.
Available Funding: $100million from 2022-2026
Award ID: TBD
Close Dates: FY 2022 is closed, more details added for FY 2023 when made available
Eligible Entities: State, political subdivision of a State, Tribal government, public transit agency or authority, a public toll authority, metropolitan planning organization, and group of 2 or more eligible entities detailed above, applying through a single lead applicant.
