Findings from The Ray (“The Ray”) and Geotab Inc.’s (“Geotab”) fleet electrification analysis, announced today, showcase data-driven analysis of truck movement patterns that can help guide State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) planning and funding of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.  

Transportation is responsible for 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the U.S. – the largest contributor of any sector in the American economy. Nearly all automotive OEMs, including Hyundai, Kia, Ford, VW and General Motors, are introducing net-zero vehicle models to help offset these emissions with the public sector following suit.

State DOTs are developing plans for EV charging infrastructure at 50-mile intervals along the U.S. Interstate system. With 70% of all U.S. freight being transported by medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which contribute to nearly 24% of transportation GHGs, fleet electrification will make a significant impact on total GHG emissions. It is a vital component in the success of the nation’s electrification strategy.

The Ray, utilizing Geotab telematics, can support states and local governments as they seek to determine the optimal locations and design for charging stations for both passenger and freight vehicles. Observing real truck movement data, The Ray can help determine where and what type of additional truck parking is needed for electrification.

The initial analysis was performed by The Ray and Geotab on two pilot corridors: one regional route along I-20 from Dallas, TX to Atlanta, GA, and one local route, from the Port of Savannah, GA to the inland port in Atlanta, GA. Geotab developed and provided data visualization tools, such as graphs and heat maps, allowing The Ray to easily dial into the analysis and leverage rich data insights along the two corridors. The analysis demonstrated uniquely different observed truck movement patterns for each of the two corridors. The regional route along I-20 revealed vehicles stopped at many, inconsistent locations along the entire route, while the local route revealed vehicles stopped at just a few distinct locations.

The data-driven approach, and the powerful tool behind it, gives State DOTs precise technical resources to plan for electrification and a strategic network of EV charging stations. The recently passed federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will begin funding historic investments in infrastructure to support advanced transportation, including $5 billion for electrification and $2.5 billion for alternative, low or zero-carbon fueling.

“Our cooperation and data analysis with The Ray will support the strategic positioning of charging infrastructure to help achieve the highest probability of success from the first  day of deployment which will in turn help expedite freight EV adoption,” said Charlotte Argue, senior manager of fleet electrification at Geotab. “By leveraging telematics and data from connected vehicles to help identify and meet the infrastructure needs of freight vehicles, states can be confident in their investment and ability to deliver effective and convenient charging infrastructure along the U.S. interstate highway.”

The strategic planning approach also gives states the opportunity to overlay Geotab’s data analysis with The Ray’s GIS roadside solar tool to identify optimal locations for the development of roadside solar. Utilizing the tools together, State DOTs have the opportunity to connect the demand of high-powered EV charging stations with the potential production of right-of-way (ROW) solar.

“Findings from our pilot corridors underscore the need for data from additional corridors throughout the country to set states up for success,” said Allie Kelly, executive director of The Ray. “The telematics technology from Geotab, together as an overlay to The Ray’s solar mapping tool, will help transportation planners start one step ahead by developing infrastructure how and where it’s needed most, and determining which locations are optimal for co-locating EV charging and solar arrays on the roadsides.”