Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles and Emerging Technology (EVET)

Drive on the COTA track at Electrify Expo this November 

Austin has set a target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This goal will bring about a range of benefits, from improved air quality to a thriving local economy. The EVET team promotes clean air, innovative tech, and maximizing customer value to further this goal.

The EVET team works to make EVs available to all residents regardless of their financial status. Austin Energy offers rebates and services for electric cars and rides. Their efforts have made Austin a leader in the nation for EV ownership. Their commitment to equitable mobility has made EVs accessible to all Austin residents.

EVs are for Everyone

The goal is to create a future of electric mobility that is equitable, affordable, and accessible for all Austin residents.

Program Components:

  • Charging Infrastructure: Austin Energy has established a network of affordable charging ports across Austin.
  • Expansion of Multi-family Charging: 100+ multifamily communities have charging including affordable housing properties.
  • Electric Ride Rebate: Explore the rebate program for electric rides, including bikes, scooters, and motorcycles.
  • EV Buyer’s Guide: Check out our award-winning EV research, lease, or ownership resource for new and used EVs. Available in English and Spanish.
  • School Charging: Part of the program extends electric vehicle support to schools, emphasizing equitable access and environmental benefits.

Photo of mom and son who participate in electric bike program

Mom and son Sandra Winston and BJ Winston. They have participated in the eBike Access program and have become E-ride advocates. They enjoy sharing the benefits of riding electric with HACA residents.

  • EVs for Schools

    “EVs for Schools” started in 2018 in four Austin title 1 schools serving limited-income families. Now, it has grown to include 150+ schools in Central Texas. The program promotes youth leadership development. It explores sustainable transportation, environmental equity, and emerging technologies to advance STEM while making it fun for students (and teachers).

      

    Curriculum Overview

    Download the Curriculum Overview (pdf) for a glimpse of the EV curriculum that EcoRise is bringing to classrooms across the U.S.  

    • The lessons are for grades 6-12 students.
    • Lessons cover: electric mobility, energy, tech, sustainability and environmental justice.
    • Lessons are available in both English and Spanish.
    • On-campus EV charging stations serve as educational living labs.
    • Teachers get special STEM training focused on EVs and green energy.
    • Access to lessons provided to teachers through program partner, EcoRise.

    Field experiences are available. Email pluginaustin@austinenergy.com

    Email Plug-In Austin for more information about electric vehicles, charging technology, and costs. We can help your school district find a licensed and experienced contractor. 

  • Electrify Expo Powered by Austin Energy

    Electrify Expo in Austin collage banner

    North America’s Largest EV Festival helps to make EV technology available to everyday people and impact the future of mobility.

    By participating in the Electrify Expo, Austin Energy gets access they normally wouldn't. On Industry Day they engage with policymakers and industry leaders. They discuss EV adoption policies and charging infrastructure.

    Staff also get to talk to and show customers how easy it is to use electric fuel and incentives.

    Additionally, Austin Energy integrates EVs with renewable energy sources to create a sustainable ecosystem for electric mobility. Through Electrify Expo, Austin Energy can share information and encourage attendees to consider electric transportation.

     

    It's also fun! Electrify Expo has something for everyone. The world's top EV makers are in Austin to showcase electric cars, trucks, bikes, and more. Attendees can also test drive high-performance EVs at the F1 Circuit of The Americas racetrack. Everyone is invited to this e-mobility party.

    To learn more go to Electrify Expo.

  • Innovations in Energy Storage Austin SHINES

    Austin SHINES was a project to improve the electric grid's reliability and efficiency. It included solar power, energy storage systems, and smart tech. It also explored using electric cars to power the grid. The goal was to understand how storage can be integrated with solar energy to make the grid cleaner and reliable. It also established a template for other regions to adopt distributed solar for a more efficient grid.

    Austin SHINES Research for the U.S. Department of Energy: Final Deliverable Reports

    1. System Levelized Cost of Electricity (System LCOE) Methodology (pdf)
      The creation and use of the System LCOE to Serve Load metric encompasses the holistic, system-level costs and benefits of all resources, and enables them to be evaluated based on their ability to support an efficient and low-cost integrated grid ecosystem.

    2. Software Platform Product Description (pdf)
      The creation of new DER control methodologies deployable within a utility-grade software platform that enable DERs to maximize their benefit within a grid capable of serving load enables a high penetration of distributed PV generation.

    3. Optimal Design Methodology (pdf)
      Optimal design methodologies for individual DER installations enable utilities to determine the optimal combinations and sizing for individual DER sites.

    4. Ownership and Operation Models for DER System Performance (pdf)
      A comparison of multiple DER aggregation and ownership methodologies, including direct utility control, third-party aggregator, and autonomous.

    5. Economic Modeling and Optimization (pdf)
      A comparison of multiple DER technology mixes and configurations within the distribution system pro-vides insight into the optimal blend of technologies that best enables the distribution system to serve load at the lowest cost at high solar penetration.

    6. Fielded Assets (pdf)
      Deployed DER assets within the Austin Energy SHINES circuits.

    Partnership with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

    This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), under Award Number DE-EE0007177. These reports were prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy.

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Date last reviewed or modified: 09/05/2024