NV Energy is committed to fostering a cleaner transportation future in Nevada through its comprehensive electric car programs. Since 2016, with the expert implementation support of DNV, NV Energy has been at the forefront of promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption and building a robust EV charging infrastructure across the state.
Initially, DNV partnered with NV Energy to administer its Solar Incentive and Distributed Generation programs, laying the groundwork for sustainable energy initiatives. Building on this foundation, in 2018, NV Energy rapidly expanded its focus to electric vehicles, launching four key EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) incentive programs within just two months. These programs targeted critical areas for EV adoption:
- Multi-Family Charging: Addressing the charging needs of residents in apartment buildings and condominiums.
- Workplace Charging: Encouraging businesses to install EV charging stations for employees.
- Fleet Electrification: Supporting the transition of commercial fleets to electric vehicles.
- Custom Grants: Providing tailored incentives for unique EV charging projects.
NV Energy further solidified its commitment to residential EV adoption in 2021 by introducing dedicated programs for home EV charging equipment and vehicle purchase assistance for lower-income customers. These initiatives are designed to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of Nevadans.
To ensure the effectiveness and future readiness of its electric car program, NV Energy engaged DNV to conduct in-depth research. DNV surveyed 800 NV Energy residential customers, with a specific focus on multi-family and low-income households, and 100 commercial fleet customers. This research aimed to:
- Understand current vehicle usage patterns.
- Assess public awareness and understanding of electric vehicles.
- Identify barriers hindering EV adoption.
- Determine the most desirable combination of EV program services from the utility.
The insights from this research were then fed into DNV’s sophisticated agent-based EV adoption forecasting model. This model generated detailed annual projections of EV adoption at a granular geographic level (Census Block Group) for the years 2021-2030, considering high, medium, and low adoption scenarios.
The benefits of NV Energy’s electric car program, powered by DNV’s expertise, are significant. The research findings directly inform NV Energy’s strategic planning for necessary distribution grid infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the growing EV charging load. Moreover, this data-driven approach has been instrumental in NV Energy’s successful pursuit of an additional $100 million in funding to further accelerate EV and EVSE adoption throughout its service territory. By leveraging DNV’s comprehensive solutions, NV Energy is effectively driving transportation electrification in Nevada and paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
