University campuses are optimal for electric vehicle adoption and mobility programs due to a variety of factors, according to a new report from Navigant Research. With higher levels of education, homeownership, and salaries than the average employee in the U.S., university employees are an ideal demographic with whom electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and dealerships should build partnerships. In addition, most universities in the U.S. are in urban areas—ideal for EV car sharing programs and short-distance trips.
The report, which focuses on opportunities for EV manufacturers, dealerships, and universities to build their electric vehicle presence, offers an analysis of the university market including employee demographics, market size, existing programs, research opportunities, fleet electrification, and partnership potential.
“Universities are already researching the EV space to find mobility solutions,” says Scott Shepard, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “This creates opportunities for EV manufacturers to partner with universities on research, targeted marketing, building awareness, and carshare deployment, and for universities to work with technology companies.”
According to the report, universities are partnering with technology manufacturers to test vehicle grid integration (VGI) technologies, automated vehicles, battery development, and wireless charging on campus. Partnerships built between universities and EV manufacturers can be multifaceted, involving research, education (including education of the manufacturer’s employees), university employee vehicle discounts, university fleet conversion, and sponsorships (athletics, research centers, etc.).
The report, Shared and Electrified Mobility Starts in Higher Education, discusses opportunities for electric vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, and universities to build their EV presence. The study provides an analysis of the university market including employee demographics, market size, existing programs, research opportunities, fleet electrification, and partnership potential. It also includes a case study of Arizona State University where staff and faculty members were surveyed to understand electric vehicle adoption demographics.
An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.
