policy brief

Driving Grid Readiness: Integrating Electric Vehicles into California’s Energy System

Publication Date

March 6, 2026

Author(s)

"Brooke (Schmidt) Wolfe ", Roland Hwang, Timothy Lipman

Abstract

As of 2024, more than 1.8 million electric vehicles (EVs) were on the road in California. The state had aimed to reach five million EVs by 2030 and require 100% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2035 through its Zero-Emission Vehicle rule; however, federal action has put this plan on hold, and California is challenging this action in court. Regardless, rapid growth in EV adoption will put new demands on California’s electricity system, requiring significant investments in both the power distribution grid and EV charging infrastructure.

Meanwhile, utilities may already be grappling with the challenges of accommodating the growing power demands from new data center facilities that support artificial intelligence. Without adequate proactive investments in distribution grid upgrades and consumer programs to manage demand, the added load from widespread EV charging (with larger, more power-hungry batteries) could potentially overload local grids, compromise reliability, degrade the quality of transformers and distribution systems and increase costs to both utility providers and ultimately ratepayers.

California utilities and policymakers must ensure that the distribution grid is prepared for this new load, while maintaining reliable electricity service and keeping costs low for ratepayers. As the EV market evolves, the distribution grid must rapidly grow into a smarter, more flexible, and more agile system. With well-designed charging programs and new technologies, additional EV charging capacity holds the promise of creating downward pressure on electricity rates. Advances in technology can support this promise through greater vehicle-to-grid integration (VGI) (i.e., strategies for altering EV charging time, power level, or location of charging (or discharging) to benefit the grid), managed charging programs, and other tools to further merge EVs into California’s grid. VGI turns EVs into interactive grid resources, enabling not only new methods to manage consumer demand but also bi-directional charging (known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G)) that can enhance grid flexibility and reliability. Investing now to modernize the grid and adopting new demand management programs can pay dividends in the future, supporting California’s ambitious EV deployment goals while keeping electricity rates affordable.

research report

What are the best ways to organize, coordinate, and deliver public transit service in large metropolitan areas? A Research Synthesis

Publication Date

March 3, 2026

Associated Project(s)

Working from Home and Travel: What Does the Future Hold?

Author(s)

Hao Ding, Brian D. Taylor, John Gahbauer, Max Schank

Areas of Expertise

Travel Behavior, Land Use, & the Built Environment

View research report

Abstract

This report analyzes the optimal organization of public transit service in large U.S. metropolitan areas—like Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area where multiple operators serve overlapping markets. It synthesizes over 50 international and U.S. studies of: (1) regional transit governance and coordination, (2) economies of scale and scope in transit operations, and (3) service contracting. The report finds that regions gain the most from coordinating front-end, customer-facing functions such as marketing, fares, information, and service planning through a regional association or authority, while leaving back-end service-production and delivery decentralized among sub-regional operators. This approach enhances riders’ travel experience, increases ridership, and improves cost efficiency. Conversely, large-scale transit agency mergers rarely save money and often introduce diseconomies of scale due to increased organizational complexity and higher labor costs. For some large agencies, contracting certain services coupled with strong oversight and performance-based incentives can lower costs. The report concludes that combining regional coordination of front-end, customer-facing functions with decentralized back-end service production offers an optimal blend of service coordination and cost-effectiveness.

Related Publications

policy brief

Organizing and Delivering Public Transit Service in California

published journal article

The Evolving Travel and Driving Behaviors of Older U.S. Travelers in the 21st Century

research report

Headed Out Less: Analyzing Teen and Young Adult Travel Trends in the 21st Century

policy brief

Which Pandemic-Induced Changes in Work and Commuting Are Sticking, and What Does this Mean for Public Policy?

published journal article

Going Nowhere Faster: Did the Covid-19 Pandemic Accelerate the Trend Toward Staying Home?

policy brief

Older Adults are Driving Later in Life, but Getting Out Less

policy brief

Young Adults Aren’t Leaving Home, Socializing, or Traveling as Much Post-Pandemic

policy brief

Americans are Spending More Time at Home and Traveling Less Post-Pandemic

op-ed

America is becoming a nation of homebodies

other

Press Release: Not Going Out is the “New Normal” Post-Covid, Say Experts

white paper

Vehicle Weight Safety Study Academic Report

Publication Date

March 1, 2026

Author(s)

Matthew Raifman, Julia Griswold, David Brownstone, John Harvey, Amalia Stahl, Jon Atkins, Celia Johnson, Michael L. Anderson, Federico E. Vaco

View white paper

Abstract

The Vehicle Weight Safety Study provides supporting analysis for the California Transportation Commission’s study on therelationship between vehicle weight and road user injury and roadway degradation required by Assembly Bill (AB) 251, which was signed by the Governor in October 2023. To inform the work of the CTC, this report summarizes trends of road user injuries and fatalities in California and potential factors contributing to these trends (Chapter 2); summarizes trends in vehicle weight, size, and height for registered vehicles in California (Chapter 3); documents the landscape of policy solutions focused on vehicle size that might address California’s road user injuries and fatality challenge (Chapter 4); analyzes the impact of potential weight-based fees on consumer vehicle purchasing behavior (Chapter 5); and, analyzes the relationship between shifts in passenger vehicle weight and degradation of road infrastructure (Chapter 6).

research report

Development of New Privacy-preserving Method for Traffic Data Collection and Analysis: The Bathtub Model Approach

Publication Date

February 1, 2026

Associated Project(s)

Development of New Privacy-preserving Method for Traffic Data Collection and Analysis

Author(s)

Wenlong Jin, Joseph H. F. Lo

Areas of Expertise

other

View research report

Abstract

Traditional data collection approaches present significant drawbacks in computational costs and limited privacy protection. This research evaluates the bathtub traffic flow model as a privacy-preserving alternative to traditional methods that require detailed network layouts and individual trip data. The study assesses the feasibility of the bathtub model through calibration and validation using Bluebikes data from Metro Boston, focusing on three key components: the unified relative space paradigm, conservation equations, and the generalized bathtub model. Results demonstrate that the unified relative space paradigm successfully integrates network trips by considering remaining trip distances, though the trip distance distribution exhibited a log-normal pattern rather than the time-independent negative exponential distribution in Vickrey’s original bathtub model. Conservation equations for total trips and trip-miles traveled showed high accuracy, and the generalized bathtub model yielded accurate results, particularly for space-mean speed. This novel approach preserves privacy by eliminating the need for origin-destination data while still effectively capturing network dynamics.

Related Publications

policy brief

Using a “Bathtub Model” to Analyze Travel Can Protect Privacy While Providing Valuable Insights

policy brief

Organizing and Delivering Public Transit Service in California

Publication Date

February 26, 2026

Associated Project(s)

Working from Home and Travel: What Does the Future Hold?

Author(s)

Hao Ding, Brian D. Taylor, John Gahbauer, Max Schank

Areas of Expertise

Travel Behavior, Land Use, & the Built Environment

View policy brief

Abstract

California’s large metropolitan areas, particularly greater Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, are each served by dozens of distinct transit operators. This fragmentation creates a disjointed experience for many riders—who face different fares, schedules, and route maps—and can create inefficiencies in service delivery. Accordingly, international and U.S. studies of organization and coordination for insights on the most effective governance structures for public transit were reviewed. Specifically, the review considered whether consolidating transit agencies into larger entities or coordinating specific functions across existing agencies can improve ridership, cost-efficiency, and equity.

Related Publications

research report

What are the best ways to organize, coordinate, and deliver public transit service in large metropolitan areas? A Research Synthesis

published journal article

The Evolving Travel and Driving Behaviors of Older U.S. Travelers in the 21st Century

research report

Headed Out Less: Analyzing Teen and Young Adult Travel Trends in the 21st Century

policy brief

Which Pandemic-Induced Changes in Work and Commuting Are Sticking, and What Does this Mean for Public Policy?

published journal article

Going Nowhere Faster: Did the Covid-19 Pandemic Accelerate the Trend Toward Staying Home?

policy brief

Older Adults are Driving Later in Life, but Getting Out Less

policy brief

Young Adults Aren’t Leaving Home, Socializing, or Traveling as Much Post-Pandemic

policy brief

Americans are Spending More Time at Home and Traveling Less Post-Pandemic

op-ed

America is becoming a nation of homebodies

other

Press Release: Not Going Out is the “New Normal” Post-Covid, Say Experts

research report

Lifecycle Emissions and Economic Analysis Tool for Hydrogen Production and Distribution Pathways for Road Transportation in California (CA-LCA-H2)

Publication Date

February 26, 2026

Associated Project(s)

Developing a Lifecycle Emissions and Economic Analysis Tool for Hydrogen Production and Distribution Pathways for Road Transportation in California

Author(s)

Stephanie Collins, Timothy Lipman, Arpad Horvath

Areas of Expertise

Zero-Emission Vehicles & Low-Carbon Fuels

View research report

Abstract

The CA-LCA-H2 tool performs a cost and greenhouse gas and criteria air pollutant emissions assessment for a hydrogen project in California by selecting the operating region and mode of production and distribution of the hydrogen through to a fuel cell trucking use case. The cost of clean hydrogen production can change significantly from the choice of production method due to the respective energy and capital costs, and in the case of electrolysis, the electricity source. The regional variations in the electricity mix can significantly affect the carbon intensity of the hydrogen produced. These components then contribute to the potential effectiveness of hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel for the use case assessment.

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policy brief

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Drayage Trucks Can Advance California’s Climate Goals and Provide Health Benefits for Front Line Communities

policy brief

Zero-Emission Vehicles Are Entering the Used Market: What Does This Mean for California?

Publication Date

February 1, 2026

Associated Project(s)

Assessing the Market for Used Electric Vehicles in California

Author(s)

Gil Tal, Ken Kurani

Areas of Expertise

Zero-Emission Vehicles & Low-Carbon Fuels

View policy brief

Abstract

Since most Californians don’t buy new cars, the used car market plays a vital role in broadening access to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), particularly among lower-income populations who may find new ZEVs financially out of reach. However, little is known about the used ZEV market. To address this gap, the research team analyzed used ZEV market characteristics, buyer demographics, and the patterns of vehicle transfers within the state. The aim of the research is to help policymakers understand how the used ZEV market contributes to California’s broader goals of reducing emissions and ensuring equitably access to clean transportation technologies.

Related Publications

research report

Assessing the Market for Used Electric Vehicles in California

research report

Electric Vehicle Driver Activities, Non-Charging Expenditures, and Experiences Using Fast Chargers in California

Publication Date

February 1, 2026

Associated Project(s)

Identifying Viable Business Models for Electric Vehicle Charging

Author(s)

Scott Hardman, Jiewei (Grant) Li, Sonali Senthil, Alan Jenn

Areas of Expertise

Zero-Emission Vehicles & Low-Carbon Fuels

View research report

Abstract

Public direct current fast charging (DCFC) infrastructure is in an early stage of development, depends on public funding,may not be profitable, and its locations may not provide the amenities that consumers want to use while charging. This report explores topics related to these issues: what activities battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers participate in, BEV drivers’ spending on charging and other items while at a DCFC, drivers’ self-reported preferences for amenities at DCFC, and drivers’ reported experiences using DCFC. The results reveal most drivers do something other than using DCFC while charging their BEV; close to half of respondents purchase something other than electricity for their BEV, and this expenditure is higher than the average cost of a charging session. The results highlight the potential for charging providers to explore new ways of generating revenue directly by developing stations with revenue-generating amenities attached, or through symbiotic relationships between charging providers and businesses such as stores, restaurants, and coffee shops.

published journal article

Navigating the gig economy: transportation labor challenges facing California’s app-based ridehailing and courier drivers

Publication Date

January 23, 2026

Associated Project(s)

Labor Challenges for Transportation: From Bus Drivers to Gig Workers

Author(s)

Susan Shaheen, "Brooke (Schmidt) Wolfe ", Adam Cohen

Areas of Expertise

Public Transit, Shared Mobility, & Active Transportation

View published journal article

Abstract

Given the dynamic landscape surrounding the classification of workers in California, it is important to consider how the existing legal and regulatory environment may impact app-based gig drivers, including transportation network companies and courier network services. Using a multi-method approach, we conducted a literature review, expert interviews, and case study analysis to better understand how California’s gig drivers are impacted by state legislation and regulation. The expert interviews found that gig drivers are concerned with fair pay, benefits, labor classification, and transparency from the app-based platforms on issues related to punitive actions (i.e., deactivations). Drivers also raised concerns about California’s Clean Miles Standard due to the financial costs associated with acquiring and operating electric vehicles and limited public charging availability. The seven case studies examine gig labor policies from other states and countries. Together, these methods explore the tension between sustaining an app-based gig driving platform and providing fair compensation and working conditions for gig drivers. The study finds that state and/or local policies establishing minimum pay for drivers and policies enhancing transparency and appeal processes for driver deactivations could help improve working conditions for gig drivers. Various state agencies, such as the California Public Utilities Commission, could support gig drivers through incentives for the purchase of EVs and installation of EV charging near their homes and driving locations.

Related Publications

policy brief

Challenges and Opportunities Facing App-Based Gig Drivers Extend Beyond Driver Pay

policy brief

Vehicle Automation May Require New Safety Policies

Publication Date

January 1, 2026

Associated Project(s)

Safety Considerations for Automated Vehicles

Author(s)

Mollie Cohen D'Agostino

Areas of Expertise

Intelligent Transportation Systems, Emerging Technologies, & Big Data Safety, Public Health, & Mobility Justice

View policy brief

Abstract

Automation is ushering in a new era for motor vehicle safety. Vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) are increasingly on our roadways. ADS systems typically include cameras, radar, LiDAR, artificial intelligence (AI) perception systems, data fusion, and neural network architectures. Research from UC Davis evaluated ADS-related safety policy, data collection, and human-machine interactions. The findings suggest that integrating ADS vehicles with existing infrastructure and operations will require updates to safety definitions, more robust oversight, and clearer regulatory and legal frameworks.

Related Publications

white paper