Insufficient charging/fueling infrastructure poses a major challenge to achieving U.S. policy goals for transitioning the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) sector to zero-emission vehicles. Addressing the infrastructure needs of HDV fleet operators, who are key demand-side stakeholders, is crucial for developing effective solutions and strategies. This study investigates these needs through a fleet survey of California’s drayage sector, focusing on battery electric trucks. Key aspects examined include preferences for charging locations, access types, charging duration, time-of-day for charging, and innovative solutions like Truck-as-a-Service. Analyzing responses from 53 companies with varying fleet sizes, annual revenues, and operational characteristics, the study employed a comprehensive exploratory approach, utilizing descriptive analysis, thematic analysis, and hypothesis testing. Findings reveal that while most fleets preferred on-site charging, about a quarter, primarily smaller fleets with five or fewer trucks, preferred both on-site and off-site options. Private access was often favored for on-site facilities, though some respondents recognized the benefits of shared access for expanding operational coverage. The study also identified a need for faster charging solutions at both off-site and on-site locations, particularly for long-haul or mixed operations. Time-of-day preferences varied widely, driven by the need for efficient operations. Furthermore, a small proportion of participating fleets preferred Truck-as-a-Service over traditional procurement, predominantly among smaller fleets or those with lower revenues. The comprehensive research findings contribute to a deeper understanding of charging infrastructure needs and offer practical insights for policy practitioners and industry stakeholders committed to advancing zero-emission infrastructure.
Given that small fleets (defined as those with 20 or fewer vehicles) represent a considerable portion of the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) sector, understanding their perspectives, along with those of large fleets, on zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and related policies is crucial for achieving the U.S. HDV sector’s ZEV transition goals. However, research focusing on small fleets or comparing both segments has been limited. Focusing on California’s drayage sector with stringent ZEV transition targets, this study investigates the awareness and perceptions of small and large fleet operators on ZEV technologies and policies established to promote ZEV adoption. Using a fleet survey, we obtained 71 responses from both small and large fleets. We employed a comprehensive exploratory approach, utilizing descriptive analysis, hypothesis testing, and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that both segments generally rated their ZEV knowledge as close to neutral, with about a third reporting limited awareness of the ZEV policy. Both segments highlighted various adoption barriers, including challenges with infrastructure, costs, and operational compatibility. Business strategies under the ZEV policy differed significantly: small fleets planned to delay or avoid ZEV procurement, with some considering relocation, while large fleets were more proactive, with many already having procured or preparing to procure ZEVs. Both segments voiced concerns about the disproportionate impact on small fleets. The findings enhance our understanding of equity issues in ZEV adoption across fleet segments and offer valuable insights for policymakers committed to a more equitable distribution of the impacts.
Many U.S. states are supporting the transition of the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) sector to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), with California leading the way through its policy and regulatory initiatives. Within various HDV fleet segments, California’s drayage fleets face stringent targets, requiring all vehicles newly registered in the Truck Regulation Upload, Compliance, and Reporting System to be ZEVs starting January 2024, and all drayage trucks in operation to be zero-emission by 2035. Understanding fleet operator behavior and perspectives is crucial for achieving these goals; however, it remains a critical knowledge gap. This study investigates the preferences and influencing factors for ZEVs among drayage fleet operators in California. We conducted a stated preference choice experiment survey, developed based on previous qualitative studies and literature reviews. With participation from 71 fleets of various sizes and alternative fuel adoption status, we collected 648 choice observations in a dual response design, consisting of a forced choice between ZEVs and a free choice between ZEVs and status quo alternatives. Multinomial logit model analyses revealed driving range and purchase costs as significant factors for ZEV adoption, with charging facility construction costs also critical in hypothetical choices between ZEVs and status quo alternatives. Fleet or organization size also influenced ZEV choices, with large fleets more sensitive to operating costs and small organizations more sensitive to off-site stations. These findings enhance our understanding in this area and provide valuable insights for policymakers dedicated to facilitating the transition of the HDV sector to zero-emission.
Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, changes in daily activity-travel routines and time-use behavior, including the widespread adoption of telecommuting, have been manifold. This study considers how telecommuters have responded to the changes in activity-travel scheduling and time allocation. In particular, we consider how workers utilized time during the pandemic by comparing workers who telecommuted with workers who continued to commute. Commuters were segmented into those who worked in telecommutable jobs (potential telecommuters) and those who did not (commuters). Our empirical analysis suggested that telecommuters exhibited distinct activity participation and time use patterns from the commuter groups. It also supported the basic hypothesis that telecommuters were more engaged with in-home versus out-of-home activity compared to potential telecommuters and commuters. In terms of activity time-use, telecommuters spent less time on work activity but more time on caring for household members, household chores, eating, socializing and recreation activities than their counterparts. During weekdays, a majority of telecommuters did not travel and in general this group made fewer trips per day compared to the other two groups. Compared to telecommuters, potential telecommuters made more trips on both weekdays and weekends while non-telecommutable workers made more trips only on weekdays. The findings of this study provide initial insights on time-use and the associated activity-travel behavior of both telecommuter and commuter groups during the pandemic.
Vehicle automation represents a new safety frontier that may necessitate a repositioning of our safety oversight systems. This white paper serves as a primer on the technical and legal landscape of automated driving system (ADS) safety. It introduces the latest AI and machine learning techniques that enable ADS functionality. The paper also explores the definitions of safety from the perspectives of standards-setting organizations, federal and state regulations, and legal disciplines. The paper identifies key policy options building on topics raised in the White House’s Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, outlining a Blueprint for ADS safety. The analysis concludes that potential ADS safety reforms might include either reform of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), or a more holistic risk analysis “safety case” approach. The analysis also looks at caselaw on liability in robotics, as well as judicial activity on consumer and commercial privacy, recognizing that the era of AI will reshape liability frameworks, and data collection must carefully consider how to build in accountability and protect the privacy of consumers and organizations. Lastly, this analysis highlights the need for policies addressing human-machine interaction issues, focusing on guidelines for safety drivers and remote operators. In conclusion, this paper reflects on the need for collaboration among engineers, policy experts, and legal scholars to develop a comprehensive Blueprint for ADS safety and highlights opportunities for future research.
