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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=PHNlYXJjaD48cGFyYW1zPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJkYXRlaW4iIHZhbHVlPSJhbGwiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9InN1YmplY3Rsb2dpYyIgdmFsdWU9Im9yIiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJ0ZXJtc2xvZ2ljIiB2YWx1ZT0ib3IiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9ImxvY2F0aW9uIiB2YWx1ZT0iMTYiIC8+PC9wYXJhbXM+PGZpbHRlcnM+PGZpbHRlciBmaWVsZD0iaW5kZXh0ZXJtcyIgdmFsdWU9IiZxdW90O0VsZWN0cmljIHZlaGljbGUgY2hhcmdpbmcmcXVvdDsiIG9yaWdpbmFsX3ZhbHVlPSImcXVvdDtFbGVjdHJpYyB2ZWhpY2xlIGNoYXJnaW5nJnF1b3Q7IiAvPjwvZmlsdGVycz48cmFuZ2VzIC8+PHNvcnRzPjxzb3J0IGZpZWxkPSJwdWJsaXNoZWQiIG9yZGVyPSJkZXNjIiAvPjwvc29ydHM+PHBlcnNpc3RzPjxwZXJzaXN0IG5hbWU9InJhbmdldHlwZSIgdmFsdWU9InB1Ymxpc2hlZGRhdGUiIC8+PC9wZXJzaXN0cz48L3NlYXJjaD4=" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>SPR-5007: Performance Evaluation and Development of Cost-Effective DWPT Pavements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2709428</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research work will address key questions that remain among policymakers, fleet operators, investors, and vehicle manufacturers regarding the cost, performance, and viability of Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technologies. This effort will lay the groundwork for formalizing largescale public-private partnerships necessary to support the deployment of multi-mile DWPT corridors at both interstate and intrastate levels.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:25:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2709428</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advancing Rural Mobility through Innovative Charging Solutions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677557</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Electric vehicle (EV) ownership in the United States is growing. Since EVs have emerged as an additional mobility option available in the market, their proliferation requires charging infrastructure to support the growing number on EVs on the national highway system. While many EV owners predominantly charge their vehicles at home, EV fast chargers are needed to provide support for efficient long distance and interstate travel. The advent of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in rural areas has the potential to address long-standing challenges related to accessibility, connectivity, and service delivery using electric vertical take-off and landing [eVTOL] aircraft and drones. These mobility solutions also require charging infrastructure to enable their deployment.      

Development of new fast charging stations has been delayed by the need to connect the charging stations to the electric grid. Microgrids, which are small, local power grids that use locally sourced energy to supply electricity within that microgrid, provide an opportunity to provide needed energy without the need to connect to the electric grid. These solutions are preferable in areas where interconnection with the electric grid would be not feasible, not timely, or cost prohibitive, including rural areas. This project would investigate and evaluate microgrids and storage for EV charging solutions that allow for long-distance EV mobility, laying the groundwork for further research  and implementation to enable efficient mobility of electric vehicles across the US.  The project will also address non-traditional charging applications (beyond on-road vehicle charging) to address potential charging solutions for AAM operations in rural areas.     ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:49:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677557</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Economic, Environmental and Equity Outcomes Assessment of the Electric Vehicle Charging Network Expansion in Illinois</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570591</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) was awarded 182 direct current fast charging ports in its first round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Researchers will analyze electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Illinois and estimate the benefits of expansion through 2050. They will estimate benefits of EV chargers associated with job creation and cost savings from EV ownership. They will identify gaps in EV charger coverage in rural and underserved communities as well as identify types of site hosts to maximize benefits. Identifying gaps in EV charger service will help guide IDOT’s deployment from NEVI funds as well as provide an economic impact assessment of EV ownership.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:04:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570591</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Towards Securing Electric Vehicle Charging Systems Against Passive and Active Attacks </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2531085</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project addresses cybersecurity vulnerabilities in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, specifically focusing on the Power Line Communication (PLC) system used between EVs and charging stations (EVSE). The research aims to develop protective measures against both passive eavesdropping and active interference attacks that can disrupt charging services. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:19:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2531085</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Identifying Targets for Electric Vehicle Industry Improvement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2519188</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Electric vehicle (EV) sales have increased dramatically over the last several years. While Tesla has a growing network of Supercharging stations, owners of the newer, more luxurious EVs cannot necessarily use these charging facilities and are only able to consistently access public charging stations. In general, the public perceives the Supercharger network as more reliable and consistent than most other networks. Users of public charging stations site issues with charger maintenance and rank overall charging satisfaction lower. Though, in March 2023, Tesla announced that it was planning on opening up a portion of Superchargers to the public to qualify for federal funds.

Many perceive the availability of charging facilities as inadequate and forecasts of electrical energy availability for charging may not be adequate to support a complete conversion of  internal combustion engines (ICE) cars to EV status. In order to sustain demand for electricity, one would have to upgrade the electrical grid. However, how those costs would be covered is also unclear. There are also questions about whether enough lithium is available on this planet to produce all the batteries that would be required for conversion of all ICE vehicles to electric.

Without significant improvements to features, batteries, and support infrastructure one might wonder whether EVs will boom and then drop in popularity like bikes did in the late 19th century.  This research will examine the complete spectrum of the EV industry to identify all the issues that should be identified as targets for improvement. Problem identification will be done from several different perspectives including: potential EV buyers, EV owners, EV makers, public agencies (State DOT, City, and MPO), and engineering researchers.  One of the largest EV manufacturing facilities (Tesla) in the world is located in Austin, TX so the research team will work closely with Tesla on this part of the study. A combination of surveys and expert panels will be used to gather perceptions.  Potential solutions to improvement targets will be identified and evaluated. Evaluation will include benefit-cost analyses and alternative funding mechanisms.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:01:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2519188</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Examining the Distribution and Utilization of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Infrastructure in Small Towns and Rural Areas </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509047</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Despite the rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, small towns and rural areas face significant challenges in adequate supply of charging facilities. These infrastructure gaps hinder the expansion of EV usage in these regions, where public charging stations are often sparse or nonexistent. This project aims to analyze the current distribution, utilization and availability of EV charging stations in rural and small-town settings, identifying infrastructure gaps compared to urban and suburban areas. A core objective is to examine the underlying factors contributing to this uneven distribution. To achieve this, the study will employ spatial and statistical analysis of quantitative data, alongside qualitative insights gathered through stakeholder interviews and public surveys. Beyond infrastructure, the project will explore how the availability of charging stations influences public perception of EV adoption and the willingness of residents to transition to electric vehicles. Based on these findings, we will develop targeted strategies to improve charging infrastructure, including policy recommendations, funding mechanisms, and community engagement initiatives. The goal is to support the expansion of EV infrastructure in small towns and rural areas, ensuring that these regions are integrated into the broader shift toward cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:20:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509047</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Review and Study of Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer Technology for In-road Charging of Electric Vehicles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2507249</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Electric vehicles offer tremendous opportunity to reduce emissions and save fuel and maintenance costs. However, significant challenges, centered around range and supporting charging infrastructure, remain in the pursuit of widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The emerging inductive Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technology offers a promising solution to address these challenges. By charging electric vehicles in road using inductive DWPT devices, power can be brought to the vehicles where they drive. This will lead to smaller and longer-lasting batteries on vehicles, making electric vehicles less expensive to purchase and operate than their fossil fuel counterparts. In-road charging using inductive DWPT will also enable unlimited electric vehicle range and a seamless charging experience for drivers of electric vehicles. These improvements will help accelerate widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
In the past few years, multiple in-road charging pilot projects have been completed or launched in the United States. For example, the nation’s first inductive wireless charging road was opened in Detroit, Michigan in November 2023, which spans a quarter mile on 14th Street, between Marantette and Dalzelle streets. The road is equipped with inductive DWPT devices that can charge electric vehicles as they drive on the road. Another pilot project was launched on U.S. Highway 52 in Indiana this year, which aims at testing wireless charging for electric vehicles, particularly heavy-duty electric trucks, traveling at highway speeds. These early projects provide useful information for the planning, design, and implementation of the pilot in-road charging system to be installed in the I-80 6-line, Seward to Pleasant Dale project. However, the adoption of in-road charging infrastructure using the inductive DWPT technology is still in very early stages. Many questions and issues remain in the pursuit of widespread adoption of the DWPT technology for in-road charging of electric vehicles.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:08:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2507249</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Electrifying Vehicle Transportation: Issues and Challenges for Local Planning and Policymaking</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2459124</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the United States and around the world, electric powered vehicles (EVs) are increasingly substituting for vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Vehicle electrification is accelerating across vehicle categories including light and medium-duty vehicle categories and in public transit and school buses. There is broad agreement that it is crucial to systematically develop the charging infrastructure in unison with EV deployment. Yet this is a highly complex challenge involving different charging modalities (e.g. for personal vehicles, fleet vehicles, buses), numerous institutional actors (auto makers, private firms, utilities, and all levels of government) and evolving charging technologies in the United States. An efficient and inclusive transition to EVs will require energetic and durable coordination, planning and policy development as well as deeper levels of community engagement. Serious economic, technical and informational barriers must be addressed. The needed buildout of the charging infrastructure will require considerable investment and intensive collaboration between public sector organizations and private sector actors. Electric utilities will be critical players in the build out of the charging infrastructure. Recent large scale federal investments and supports will accelerate the scale up of the charging infrastructure, but how the key local institutions come together to leverage these funds will strongly shape outcomes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2024 18:22:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2459124</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Real-Time Simulation Framework for Coupled Traffic and Power Grid Management During Disaster Scenarios</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458999</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the future, transportation systems are likely to be dominated by electric vehicles (EVs). Consequently, the research team expects an increased coupling between transportation networks and power grid networks due to the need for widespread charging infrastructure. This interdependence means that the performance and reliability of one system will directly affect the other. For instance, a surge in EV charging can lead to increased demand on the power grid, while power outages can disrupt transportation by rendering charging stations inoperative.

This increased interdependence could become problematic in the event of a disaster or catastrophic event. During such events, system operators must make real-time decisions in an environment in which historical data on travel and charging demand during normal operations are often poor predictors. Moreover, both transportation and electric networks are evolving in real-time due to ongoing failure and recovery events. 

In this proposal, the research team develops a framework and associated tools to address the challenge of real-time simulation of interconnected transportation and electric grid networks. This will enhance the preparedness of operators at both the city and regional levels during disaster scenarios, enabling them to manage congestion more effectively and ensure a coordinated response across both networks.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:11:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458999</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Practices. Topic S04-28. Safety and Security Considerations for EV Charging Infrastructure at Airports</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458787</link>
      <description><![CDATA[As more electric vehicles (EVs) are used for fleet, transit, and passenger vehicles;  transportation facilities, such as airports, bus depots, and state and local fleet depots may provide EV infrastructure to support these vehicles. Airports  handle a variety of different customer and tenant needs in relation to EV infrastucture; fleet and equipment owners will require airside infrastructure and transit or shuttle buses and passengers may need landside infrasture options. As EV infrastructure increases, the risks related to safety and security increase and must be addressed. As current national standards are limited and best practices are not well documented, research is needed to understand how airports are handling safety and security concerns in terms of both airside and landside EV infrastructure.

The objective of this synthesis is to document the existing practices related to safety and security of electric vehicle infrastructure for both airside and landside operations at airports. The audience for this report is airport planners, engineers, and managers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:25:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458787</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>City-Wide Strategic EV Charging Network Design: Demand-Supply Integration via Market Dynamics</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2440040</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The transportation sector accounts for a massive portion of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, making the adoption of sustainable and low-emission alternatives crucial for mitigating climate change and improving air quality. Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising solution, offering reduced emissions and lower operating costs compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. As a result, many cities and regions around the world are transitioning towards incorporating EVs into their transportation systems. One of the critical challenges in promoting EV adoption is the availability and accessibility of a well-established charging infrastructure. An efficient and strategically located charging network is essential to alleviate range anxiety among EV users and encourage the widespread adoption of electric mobility. However, the deployment of EV charging stations requires careful planning and decision-making, considering factors such as demand distribution, traffic patterns, existing infrastructure, and accessibility for users. The Electric Vehicle Location Selection Problem (EVLSP) addresses the task of identifying optimal locations for installing EV charging stations to achieve maximum coverage, minimize the cost of infrastructure development, and enhance the convenience and accessibility for EV users. To tackle this complex problem, researchers have explored various algorithms and methodologies from operations research and optimization fields. In this project, we present a comprehensive study on the EVLSP with a specific focus on the city of Avondale, AZ. Avondale, like many other urban areas, faces challenges related to sustainable transportation and seeks to improve its urban mobility while reducing environmental impact. Our research aims to provide valuable insights into the strategic deployment of EV charging stations in Avondale, considering the city's unique characteristics and transportation needs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:09:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2440040</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4942:  EV Charging Needs and Demand for Multifamily Dwellings in Indiana</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434104</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project will use the data generated and insights from SPR 4706: Electric Vehicles: Public Perceptions, Expectations, and Willingness-to-Pay Across Highway User Groups (Vehicle Classes) to explore the charging needs and variances among Indiana residents, particularly focusing on those in single-family and multi-family housing. The goal is to model potential future demand for direct current (DC) fast chargers and provide actionable insights for the placement of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funded stations. By addressing the specific needs of populations with limited access to home or Level 2 charging, the charging infrastructure can be ensured to be equitable and to support the broader transition to electric mobility.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:28:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434104</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Practices. Topic S02-223. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Airport Passenger Parking Facilities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2433902</link>
      <description><![CDATA[ACRP Synthesis 138: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Airport Passenger Parking Facilities, from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, documents the current experience with electric vehicle (EV) charging at airports, specifically within passenger parking facilities. Although the use of EVs and the need for charging equipment exists across the airport, publicly accessible charging is a unique use case that presents a different set of challenges than either employee parking or fleet charging facilities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:22:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2433902</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing Electric Vehicle Benefits in a Rural, Cold, and Mountainous Region</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2425460</link>
      <description><![CDATA[There is a pressing need to develop a place-specific understanding of the factors that affect the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impacts of vehicle electrification. Prior research indicates that the GHG benefits of vehicle electrification depend on the composition of vehicles in a household, vehicle attributes, how they are used, how they are charged, the share of miles that are electric (utility factor), and the efficiency of vehicles. While limited evidence suggests that electric vehicle use, charging, and GHG benefits may differ in rural contexts, cold climates, and mountainous regions, little is known about how their use and performance differs in these contexts, or how to modify vehicle electrification policies and programs to ensure greater GHG benefits of vehicle electrification. This study will collect
real-world driving data in the mountainous and largely rural northern state of Vermont to determine how plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) use and performance differ across these contexts and for different vehicle types. A household survey and on-board Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring devices will be used to evaluate vehicle use, vehicle and household utility factors, electric range, and efficiency, as well as implications for use and utility factors of future electric vehicle adopters. Findings from this research are critical to informing vehicle incentive programs and public charging investments to ensure that PEV adoption reduces GHGs in a broader range of contexts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Sep 2024 11:56:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2425460</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effectiveness of Inductive Vehicle Charging to Alleviate EV Range Anxiety</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2425217</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To decrease transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) due to their energy efficiency and reduced emissions has been prioritized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). However, the limited driving range of EVs, shortage of charging stations, and long charging times, often referred to as “range anxiety”, hinder their widespread usage. This proposal aims to evaluate the efficacy of inductive vehicle charging (IVC), which enables EVs to wirelessly charge while on the move, in overcoming range anxiety for different EV users. It systematically categorizes different passenger and freight transportation user groups and investigates their use cases where these various users can reap benefits from IVC implementation. Considering different EV user groups, this proposal provides proof of concept for locations or scenarios in which IVC technology effectively removes range anxiety for light to heavy-duty vehicles. In addition, the proposal investigates the current IVC technology characteristics to assess the cost of IVC implementation and identify installation and maintenance requirements.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:32:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2425217</guid>
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