Bill Overview
Title: EV Freedom Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Transportation to devise a plan to create a network of publicly available electric vehicle supply equipment along public roads that are part of the National Highway System.
Sponsors: Rep. Levin, Andy [D-MI-9]
Target Audience
Population: People who are electric vehicle users or potential users
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The National Highway System spans approximately 160,000 miles of roads across the United States, which is integral to long-distance and cross-country travel.
- The bill directly pertains to the creation of publicly available electric vehicle supply equipment, indicating a focus on the users of electric vehicles (EVs).
- As of 2023, it was estimated that there are about 3-4 million electric vehicles on the road globally.
- The bill also indirectly benefits future EV owners and manufacturers by encouraging the expansion and accessibility of EV infrastructure.
- Consumers interested in environmental sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint are likely to be impacted as the infrastructure supports greener transportation.
- The extension of charging networks can also impact local businesses and municipalities economically, fostering increased travel and tourism.
- Globally, integrating charging systems into broader highway infrastructure may serve as a model for similar initiatives in other countries.
Reasoning
- The population distribution for these interviews is centered around both current and potential electric vehicle (EV) users, as the policy primarily impacts these groups.
- A portion of the population remains unaffected because they do not own nor plan to own electric vehicles, thus they will have 'none' as their impact of the policy.
- Budget constraints mean that initial impacts will likely be more visible in areas with higher concentrations of EV usage or along major national highways.
- Consideration for both short-term and long-term effects, given the policy's decade-long scope and funding plan, were included in the wellbeing projections.
- The chosen individuals span different demographics and locations to illustrate a broad spectrum of potential impacts these infrastructure changes might have.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy makes a lot of sense. More chargers will make road trips feasible and convenient.
- I am excited to see my tax dollars fostering green infrastructure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Truck Driver (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this policy will really impact me in the short term.
- Maybe if they start making electric rigs, I might see some changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Marketing Specialist (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could tip the scales for me to finally get an EV.
- It shows real commitment to sustainability from the government.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
High School Teacher (Des Moines, IA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support cleaner transportation options, even though I don't own an electric car.
- This could benefit my students in the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
University Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a crucial step towards sustainable infrastructure.
- I hope it also promotes more research and innovation in renewables.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Military Veteran (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm curious about the future but haven't made the switch to EVs.
- Efforts in green energy are important for national security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Hotel Manager (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- EV chargers help my hotel attract certain guests, so I'm in favor.
- I'd like to see more incentives for businesses too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Engineer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More charging stations make it easier to travel farther on my bike.
- I support policies that encourage technological adoption.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Startup Founder (Chicago, IL)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is fantastic for my business as we work on EV integration.
- I'm optimistic about the sector's growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Nurse (Orlando, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm on the fence about electric cars, but this makes them more appealing.
- Having easy access to chargers would be a great benefit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 2: $1100000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1300000000)
Year 3: $1150000000 (Low: $950000000, High: $1350000000)
Year 5: $1200000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1400000000)
Year 10: $1300000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1500000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The success of this program is heavily reliant on the widespread adoption of EVs, which is influenced by consumer preference and market conditions.
- The projected costs might vary based on technological advancements in charging technologies and equipment.
- Coordination with state and local governments will be crucial in siting and permitting new installations.