Electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise in the United States — a necessary and exciting development that recent legislation (including the Inflation Reduction Act) will only accelerate. But the growth in EV adoption ushers in an urgent challenge: How can the United States manage its electric grid to sustainably charge millions of new EVs? 

The answer to this question, and realizing the transformative potential of EVs, will depend in part on human behavior. Optimizing the way EV owners charge their vehicles, through smart charging, is a promising solution, and success depends on widespread acceptance by consumers. But there is scant research to understand smart charging from a consumer perspective and in particular, how this differs across various demographic groups.

New research from WRI and Honda aims to help close that research gap. This webinar will highlight the report’s main findings, and include a facilitated panel discussion on what’s needed to accelerate smart charging in the United States, including interventions from electric utilities and vehicle manufacturers, ways to address consumer concerns, and ensuring EV infrastructure meets the needs of all drivers.