Empowering Electric Vehicle Adoption: Factors Influencing Residential Charging Infrastructure Development in Ottawa

Institution: Algonquin College

CSWB plan priority: Integrated and simpler systems

Project Term: Fall 2023

Course Code: DSN8014/DSN8023 Industry Project I & II

Professor: Jed Looker & Raphael Joseph

Group Members: Andres Alvear, Luke He, Nungshi Singh, Panthi Chavda, Yash Gokhale

City Lead: Aditya Maddali

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Background: To foster a green and resilient city, the City of Ottawa is developing a long-term plan for the development and implementation of policies, infrastructure that support effective transition to electric vehicles by 2035.Our project recommends solutions to positively influence the effective adoption of EV.

Objective(s): This project aims to understand the needs and perceptions of current and prospective EV owners in Ottawa, the challenges behind public and residential infrastructure implementation, and the policies and barriers to adopting EV.

Approach: We used Systems Thinking and Human-Centered Design to understand the perspectives of Ottawa residents. Our project used a mixed-methods approach to recruit, survey and interview participants and subject matter experts to understand the nature of these challenges and make informed recommendations.

Potential for Impact: This research can aid the City’s goal of supporting EV adoption with recommendations that inform targeted strategies, address infrastructure barriers, enhance collaboration with stakeholders like Hydro Ottawa, and reduce barriers to entry for first-time EV buyers with educational resources. 

Community Partner: City of Ottawa

Community Partner - Mission: N/A

Full Report Here