As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly prevalent, our patterns of electricity use – including the amount of electricity that we consume and the times that we consume it – will change significantly. These changes can create challenges for our electricity system, as well as tremendous opportunities for utility companies and the public that they serve.
Pollution Probe developed the Electric Mobility Adoption and Prediction (EMAP) initiative as a predictive analytical tool to help utility companies prepare for the expected increase in demand for EV charging in their communities. EMAP culminates in six reports covering ten cities – Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, St. Catharines, London, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Calgary and Edmonton – which present comprehensive strategies to enable and promote EV use in ways that reflect the unique consumer markets and local electricity systems of each city. The report here is the final summary report of the project across the ten cities.
Pollution Probe applied its signature collaborative approach to this innovative initiative, working with utility companies, academic institutions, market research firms, local governments and citizens. By engaging this diverse array of expertise, Pollution Probe and its partnering utility companies were able to address the complex facets of smoothing the introduction of EV technology into our lives.