Photo by Rick Govic on Unsplash
2023-01-03
Electric vehicles (EVs) have the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, which accounts for about one-third of emissions in the United States. However, adoption of EVs has been slow, particularly in urban areas with lower and middle incomes. One company, Ride Electric Vehicle (RideEV), is working to address this adoption gap and make clean transportation more accessible to everyone.
There are several factors that contribute to the slow adoption of EVs in urban areas. One major factor is price. Many EVs have a higher upfront cost than traditional gas-powered cars, making them less accessible to those with lower incomes. Additionally, there are currently supply constraints on EVs, leading to fewer choices and availability in these areas.
Another factor is the lack of extensive charging infrastructure in urban areas, often referred to as "charging deserts." Without adequate charging options, it can be difficult for people to rely on EVs as their primary mode of transportation.
To address these issues, RideEV is working on several solutions in collaboration with VentureLink at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). One solution is the creation of a ride sharing/shuttle service, which would be available at affordable rates and provide commuting solutions for non-transit accessible communities.
RideEV is also focused on expanding charging infrastructure in the Newark area. They plan to deploy and operate charging stations with the help of government, non-profit, or educational incentives. These charging stations would not only benefit the overall community by alleviating "range anxiety," but also make EVs a more viable option for lower income households and students, who would be eligible for heavily subsidized rates.
By working to increase EV adoption in urban areas, RideEV is not only helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment around NJIT and Newark, but also working towards their mission of making clean transportation available to everyone. As a pioneer in the adoption of clean technology, RideEV is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future for all.
