Electric Vehicles

The transportation sector is increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles (EV). There are now more options for hybrid and full EVs than ever, and with the recent appearance of the electric truck and other all-wheel drive options, Alaskan’s will see more and more EVs sharing our roadways. EVs and their charging infrastructure have the ability to bring new industries to Alaska, helping to promote our economy and save Alaskan’s money. Much of the country is already in a rapid transition to EVs, however, many Alaskan’s have identified barriers to adoption such as range anxiety, unknown performance in cold climate, and costs that prevent them from confidently making an EV their next vehicle purchase. For this reason, the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has adopted mission to lead the effort to minimize barriers that inhibit EV adoption in Alaska.

 

AEA has dedicated funds from the State Energy Program (SEP) towards EVs. AEA hired SparkBox LLC to support and lead the Alaska Electric Vehicle Working Group. The Working Group meets quarterly to discuss EVs and charging infrastructure in Alaska. The Working Group has members from across the state including the Alaska Electric Vehicle Association, the Department of Transportation (DOT), electric utilities, EV owners, EV vendors, municipalities, prospective charging sites, site hosts, universities, and other stakeholders. For more information on the Working Group’s mission, goals, and structure view the Working Group Charter here.

Development of EV Fast-Charging Highway Corridors

AEA plans on developing fast-charging stations along the State’s highway system in a phased approach, as funding allows. Using Volkswagen (VW) Trust funds, SEP funds as an added incentive, and matching private funds from participating site hosts, AEA is currently developing an EV fast-charging corridor connecting the Kenai Peninsula to Healy. A total of 15 fast chargers of at least 50kW and eight co-located Level 2 chargers will be installed at nine stations in the following communities: Seward, Homer, Soldotna, Cooper Landing, Anchorage, Chugiak, Trapper Creek, Cantwell, and Healy. Some sites will become operational as early as September 2021, with all installations completed by summer 2022. AEA will be opening a future solicitation using VW Trust funds to install fast chargers at three locations in the Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Tok and Glennallen area.

Deployment of Community-based Level 2 Chargers

AEA is using SEP funds to install Level 2 charging stations at state-owned facilities. In partnership with the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Level 2 chargers were installed in Anchorage at the Linny Pacillo Parking Garage across from the Robert B. Atwood Building and outside the Snowden Administration Building across from the Nestbett Courthouse during summer 2021. AEA has set aside SEP funds to install additional Level 2 chargers at state facilities in 2022. AEA has also allocated approximately $150,000 of VW Trust funds for the installation of Level 2 chargers within population centers throughout the state. A solicitation is anticipated to be released winter 2021-2022 to competitively select sites.

Costs associated with installing a charging station differ depending on location, charger type, and utility rates. To make it easier for potential site hosts to estimate the costs, AEA developed a calculator that can be downloaded here.
 

 

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