EV Charging

Feasibility of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Overview:

Like any transformative new technology, the market for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing rapidly. Although this is a new industry that is still in its early stages, increased subsidies and technological improvements in the EV market have been very influential in the growth of the automobile market. Installing a network of EV charging stations on the University of Calgary campus that are available to students, staff and faculty will allow the university to position themselves as a campus that is in support of sustainable transportation. This group project was completed by a group of MBA students in MGST 715 and it focused on a business proposal for creating EV infrastructure at the University of Calgary.

Outcomes:

  • Engaged in analysis of the Canadian EV industry and the EV infrastructure industry; local competition and comparable organizations; costs of installing EV infrastructure on campus; and three different revenue models.
  • Recommended an indirect payment model that incorporates the EV charging fees into the existing parking fees thereby eliminating the need to pay for charging in addition to parking. This model seems to be widely used by many local competitors in Calgary.
  • Identified an effective implementation strategy for the university based that includes education, location selection, a rollout strategy, and rules/regulations to guide EV charging.  

Next Steps:

  • Most of the project’s analysis was completed before the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Considerations were given to reflect possible market unpredictability; however, future research will be worthwhile to engage in the long-term implications on the sustainability landscape in Canada.
  • Deep dive into the local market conditions on campus and specifically collect primary data to evaluate EV charging demand on campus. This will help validate university campus EV sentiment as a reflection of Canadian trends, as well as provide directions to sustainability campaigns on campus.
  • Collect primary data on consumer demand for EVs to inspire and shape campus response. The future of EV charging infrastructure will pivot on EV technological advancement and consumer perceived demand. Primary demand data collected will thus be able to inspire and shape industry development.
  • Open dialogues with campus stakeholders about investing in EV charging infrastructure.