Grace A. 2026 | BASIS Independent McLean
- Project Title: Exploring Optimization and Equity in EV Charging Station Placement
- BASIS Independent Advisor: Dr. John Hight
- Internship Location: Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
- Onsite Mentor: Tracey Thompson
Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption is becoming increasingly widespread and necessitates the development of charging infrastructure to support it. The rise of EV charging presents cities with the complex task of navigating infrastructural expansion efficiently and cost-effectively and carries implications for a growing inequity gap. Historically, access to clean energy, including electric vehicle access, has been correlated with certain demographic and geographic trends. Regional lack of public charging infrastructure is a common barrier to entry, a limiting factor to EV adoption on the individual level. It is important to address this issue from a data-driven perspective, in order to understand historical patterns and to optimize for intentional equitable and efficient solutions. The goal of this project is to explore how geospatial technology and public data can be used to reveal patterns in the EV landscape and contribute to a better understanding of equity-related and broader EV placement considerations. The specific research will consist of a case study of Washington, D.C. and will be conducted through work with the Greater Washington Clean Cities Coalition.
