Trends in Equitable Electric Vehicle Adoption and Impacts on Pavement Condition and Electric Power Infrastructure

Increased EV adoption leads to reduced revenue from gasoline sales taxes used for road maintenance, while placing additional strain on power infrastructure designed for predominately smaller loads. This paper analyzes the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and infrastructure health in the Colorado Front Range and San Francisco Bay Area. The study analyzes demographic factors affecting EV adoption and assesses potential adverse impacts on pavement and power infrastructure quality. As expected from the literature, we find income to be the strongest predictor for EV adoption. However, we find noticeable differences in other trends between these two areas that demonstrate the importance of a regional approach for modelling the impact of EV adoption on infrastructure. Regarding the impact of EVs on power and transport infrastructure, it is unlikely that EV adoption has reached a high enough level to significantly affect infrastructure in either areas. The results suggest, however, that in the Bay Area, people living in counties with high EV adoption and high levels of income are more likely to experience power outages. Overall, this study provides insights into the broader impacts increased EV adoption may have on pavement and power infrastructure.