http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification 720 https://escholarship.org/uc/itsdavis/rss Recent eScholarship items from UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies Fri, 15 May 2026 05:40:16 +0000 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4m75p2hf U.S. Q1 2026 EV MARKET BRIEF https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4m75p2hf Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Jamhar, Jameel Ramji, Aditya https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8bs957jt Driving the Market for Plug-in Vehicles: Understanding Reoccurring Incentives https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8bs957jt Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hardman, Scott Turrentine, Tom Daina, Nicolo Figenbaum, Erik Garas, Dahlia Jochem, Patrick Karlsson, Sten Naberezhnykh, Denis Pontes, José Refa, Nazir Sovacool, Benjamin Sprei, Francis Tal, Gil https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2v16q4x2 In Search of Less Parking: How Curb Management Is Failing Future Mobility https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2v16q4x2 Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Riggs, William D'Agostino, Mollie C https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8c16m9b6 A France–Kenya Compact for Green Industrialization: Co-Investing in Two Transitions https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8c16m9b6 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Ramji, Aditya Jain, Aakansha Jamhar, Jameel https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6x67v8rh Ridehailing services (such as those offered by Uber and Lyft) can contribute to increases in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by attracting demand from more sustainable modes, encouraging additional travel, and driving while not serving passengers . Pooled ridehailing services (i.e., ridehailing services that offer discounted fares in exchange for the potential to be matched with other customers traveling to similar destinations) have been identified as a means of addressing the negative impacts of ridehailing services. However, the impact of pooled ridehailing is heavily influenced by the uptake of these services. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic substantially influenced travel mode preferences, resulting in an increased preference for individual modes (e.g., private vehicles and active modes) and a reduced preference for shared modes (e.g., public transit and ridehailing)3 . Given the disruptive impacts of the pandemic on travel mode preferences, and the negative impacts of ridehailing... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6x67v8rh Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Loa, Patrick, PhD Circella, Giovanni, PhD Lee, Yongsung, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1570t84x <p>Este reporte presenta los resultados de una encuesta colaborativa de la industria y una iniciativa de investigación aplicada sobre la electrificación de flotas de vehículos comerciales ligeros (LCV, por sus siglas en inglés) en México. Realizado por el Global South Center for Clean Transportation (GSC) de UC Davis, el estudio recopiló respuestas de más de 80 empresas en todo el país, con mayor representación de Ciudad de México (CDMX), Estado de México, Guanajuato y Nuevo León.</p><p>Los resultados revelan un panorama empresarial en el que muchas operaciones ya presentan condiciones favorables para la electrificación de flotas, aunque persisten barreras financieras y de infraestructura.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1570t84x Thu, 7 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Restrepo, Laura Parés Olguín, Francisco Ramji, Aditya Bastida, Eduardo Rivera, Daniel https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3mw5h90d In the US, access to a personal vehicle is often essential for getting to work, school, healthcare services, shopping, and other daily needs. To expand mobility options and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, several states have launched publicly supported electric vehicle (EV) carsharing pilot programs. These programs aim to provide affordable, low-carbon transportation options to households that cannot afford to own a vehicle. Míocar, a nonprofit carsharing service, has implemented successful pilots in rural and suburban communities in California’s San Joaquin Valley. In 2022, it expanded its service to the urban environment of Richmond, California by coordinating with the City of Richmond to implement a total of six carshare hubs, three of which are still operational as of 2025. Our research team studied the Richmond pilot service using member surveys, vehicle use data, and interviews with Míocar staff to understand how well the model translated to a denser urban setting and what... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3mw5h90d Tue, 5 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Harold, Brian Rodier, Caroline, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0pg9215q Public direct current (DC) fast charging infrastructure is expanding across California and remains supported by public funding. Many charging stations face challenges becoming financially sustainable, and some are located in areas that lack the amenities drivers want while they wait for their vehicles to charge. As California continues to invest in charging infrastructure to support electric vehicle (EV) adoption, understanding what drivers do while at fast chargers, and whether they visit and spend money in nearby businesses, can help inform decisions about infrastructure deployment and could improve the business case for DCFC. To better understand EV drivers’ activities at DC fast chargers, we surveyed 3,350 EV drivers in California. The survey examined what drivers do while charging, what they spend money on during charging sessions and how much, which amenities they prefer to have nearby, and how they describe their overall charging experience. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0pg9215q Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hardman, Scott, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/05m98123 Residents of disadvantaged, low-income, rural, and tribal communities—collectively referred to as underserved communities—often face transportation barriers resulting from decades of car-oriented planning. This has left lower-cost modes such as public transit, walking, and cycling unsafe or unavailable, resulting in widespread travel difficulties and unmet mobility needs that are challenging to measure. To understand how people are navigating these challenges, we surveyed 2,892 residents from underserved communities in California. Centering the experiences of people often underrepresented in travel behavior surveys, this study provides insights into the main factors linked to difficult or unmet travel, how people adapt to these challenges, and the barriers they face. Our findings provide evidence to inform the design of equitable transportation solutions that can improve mobility and access for California’s Priority Populations—groups that are State priorities for investments... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/05m98123 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Wang, Weijing Barajas, Jesus M., PhD Hardman, Scott J., PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2vd6x1tf The COVID-19 pandemic greatly changed how people live, work, and travel. These changes influenced travel habits, public transit use, and transportation funding across regions. However, these effects were not the same everywhere; some areas faced major, lasting disruptions, while others experienced smaller impacts and recovered faster. Recognizing these differences is crucial for transportation agencies and policymakers as they prepare for future uncertainties and limited resources. In a large and diverse region like the Northern California Megaregion, with about 13 million people, understanding how and why travel patterns shifted among different communities can help improve long-term planning and system resilience. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2vd6x1tf Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Gulhare, Siddhartha, PhD Circella, Giovanni, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9ck8f61b New Car Dealers and Retail Innovation in California's Plug-in Vehicle Market https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9ck8f61b Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Cahill, Eric Davies, Jamie https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8k51h1bp The Effect of Monetary Incentives on Sales of Advanced Clean Cars in the United States: Summary of the Evidence https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8k51h1bp Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Collantes, Gustavo Eggert, Anthony https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8619n6tb Exploring the Effects of Federal Incentives on Consumers' Plug-In Electric Vehicle Purchase Decisions https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8619n6tb Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Tal, Gil Nicholas, Michael https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5vn7j0s7 Driving the Market for Plug-in Vehicles: Understanding Financial Purchase Incentives https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5vn7j0s7 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hardman, Scott Turrentine, Tom Axsen, Jonn Garas, Dahlia Goldberg, Suzanne Jochem, Patrick Karlsson, Sten Nicholas, Mike Plotz, Patrick Pontes, Jose Rafa, Nazir Sprei, Frances Tal, Gil https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5bp8z7nt Incentives to Promote Plug-In Electric Vehicle Adoption: An Introductory Guide https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5bp8z7nt Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hardman, Scott Turrentine, Tom https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3vk6q4xs Driving the Market for Plug-in Vehicles: Developing Charging Infrastructure for Consumers https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3vk6q4xs Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hardman, Scott Tal, Gil Turrentine, Tom Axsen, Jonn Beard, George Daina, Nicolo Figenbaum, Erik Jakobsson, Niklas Jenn, Alan Jochem, Patrick Kinnear, Neale Plotz, Patrick Pontes, Jose Refa, Nazir Sprei, Frances Witkamp, Bert https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3k85d3mx Evaluating the Impact of High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Access on Plug-in Vehicle in California https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3k85d3mx Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Tal, Gil Nicholas, Michael A https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2x58x4qs Improved Energy Feedback to Drivers Can Dramatically Reduce On-road Fuel Consumption https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2x58x4qs Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Stillwater, Tai Kurani, Kenneth https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1h17p934 Driving the Market for Plug-in Vehicles: Increasing Consumer Awareness and Knowledge https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1h17p934 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Turrentine, Tom Hardman, Scott Kurani, Kenneth Allen, Jeff Beard, George Figenbaum, Erik Jakobsson, Niklas Jenn, Alan Karlsson, Sten Pontes, Jose Refa, Nazir Sprei, Frances Witkamp, Bert https://escholarship.org/uc/item/83s189q9 This report considers motivations, obstacles, and policies and programs adopted at the state, regional, and local levels in California to support transit-oriented development (TOD). Regulatory policies adopted by the state in recent years to induce TOD are discussed, as well as state-led and regionally-managed funding programs. Findings are presented from two on-line surveys of local planning directors, and 51 interviews with regional and local planners. The findings point to multiple obstacles to achieving TOD, including market factors, resident opposition, and lack of sufficient funding for implementation, such as for necessary infrastructure to support new development. The most commonly adopted local policies to support TOD include streamlining of environmental review requirements, mixed-use zoning and upzoning (permitting higher densities), improving bike and pedestrian facilities, development of Specific Plans for neighborhoods, and mechanisms to ease accessory dwelling units... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/83s189q9 Thu, 9 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Barbour, Elisa, PhD Gordon-Feierabend, Lev Kaeppelin, Francois https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6sq396xs California is considering whether to lift a decade-long ban on heavy-duty autonomous vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds. This decision comes at a time when the state’s goods-movement system faces mounting pressure to improve safety, address labor shortages, remain competitive, and meet climate and economic goals. To better understand these challenges, our team synthesized existing academic research and conducted interviews with 18 experts across industry, labor, and government. A key takeaway from this analysis is that humans will play enduring roles in both traditional and emerging occupations in trucking. Policy choices can influence whether autonomous trucking brings about higher-quality jobs, more efficient commerce, and safer systems as opposed to fragmented industry oversight and job loss without retraining or re-employment. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6sq396xs Wed, 8 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 D'Agostino, Mollie C. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9pg836pq <p>In California and many other states, new development projects must undergo an environmental impact analysis as part of the approval process. In California, this happens through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).</p><p>While CEQA is designed to ensure thoughtful consideration of environmental effects, it can also invite litigation that can delay or derail projects, even for projects that may benefit the environment, such as transit-oriented development (TOD). TOD aims to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and its associated impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), by locating housing, jobs, and amenities near high-frequency public transit. But when environmental review requirements delay or discourage TOD, the result can be to push development to less accessible areas, leading to more driving, more emissions, and fewer housing options—</p><p>undermining the very goals CEQA was meant to protect.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9pg836pq Mon, 6 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Volker, Jamey Affolter, Bailey Marantz, Nick Pike, Susan DeLeon, Graham https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0r61q59c <p>The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires lead agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of major projects, including highway expansion projects, and to mitigate those impacts to the extent feasible. In 2013, SB 743 (Steinberg) changed how transportation impacts are evaluated by shifting the performance measure from traffic delay to vehicle miles traveled (VMT), a measure of total driving. This change reflected evidence that the metric of VMT captures the influence that transportation projects have on driving behavior and its related environmental and social impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, safety, and public health.</p><p>How have lead agencies implemented the requirement to analyze and mitigate VMT induced by highway expansion projects? To better understand how SB 743 has affected highway expansion projects in practice, we reviewed state regulation and guidance and evaluated the Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for the six highway... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0r61q59c Wed, 1 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Lee, Amy, PhD Volker, Jamey, PhD Handy, Susan, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9s54q7zq Autonomous trucks raise complex and interconnected questions about public safety and the future of labor. This white paper examines this safety and workforce connection through a review of multidisciplinary literature and findings from expert interviews to evaluate three automated trucking pathways: driverless trucks, truck platooning, and automated driving assistance systems (ADAS). A central finding is that human autonomy teams will remain integral across all three trajectories. Humans will co-design, test, supervise, and maintain these systems, playing enduring roles in pre-drive, front-line (including in-vehicle), and remote (off-vehicle) settings. These roles represent durable labor categories whose scope, skill requirements, and job quality will be shaped by regulatory design choices that also influence public safety outcomes. This paper finds that partial automation is likely to expand more rapidly than fully driverless operations, creating near-term opportunities to leverage... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9s54q7zq Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 D'Agostino, Mollie C. Fuller, Samuel, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0qb0k3hr Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a strategy that promotes building housing, shops, offices, and other destinations near public transit stations. TOD is compact and walkable, supports public transit use, reduces car dependency, and can help lower greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the number of miles people drive. California has adopted many policies in recent years– at the state, regional, and local levels– to encourage TOD as part of its broader climate and housing goals. At the same time, the state faces a housing affordability crisis. In the past seven years, state lawmakers have passed more than 100 bills aimed at increasing housing production, particularly in areas near public transit. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0qb0k3hr Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Barbour, Elisa, PhD Gordon-Feierabend, Lev Kaeppelin, Francois https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7k18r2tx <p>This report presents data and analysis completed to evaluate changes in mix properties and simulated mix performance in pavement structures when using coarse reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials in new gap- and open-graded rubberized hot mix asphalt (HMA) (structural performance for gap-graded mixes only) and to prepare recommendations and suggested specification language, if considered appropriate, for allowing the use of coarse RAP in gap- and open-graded rubberized hot mix asphalt. This report includes laboratory binder and mix testing, as well as CalME fatigue and reflective cracking simulation results for four plant-produced gap-graded rubberized hot mix asphalt (RHMA-G) mixes used on the Heavy Vehicle Simulator test track at the UCPRC. The four mixes had the same base binder and two aggregate gradations, both with and without RAP. Six laboratory-produced mixes were also tested, using rubberized binders from two field projects and two RAP sources. Three mixes were... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7k18r2tx Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Harvey, John Jones, David Buscheck, Jeffrey Wu, Rongzong Rahman, Mohammad Cazares-Ramirez, Anai Brotschi, Julian Mateos, Angel Elkashef, Mohamed https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8b52q3s4 The first asphalt concrete long-life (AC Long Life) project was constructed in Los Angeles County on Route 710 (LA-710) near Long Beach in 2001/2004 and is now over 20 years old. Four more AC Long Life projects have been completed in California since then, three between 2011 and 2014 (TEH-5, SIS-5, SOL-5), and one in 2021/2022 (SAC-5). The goal of these AC Long Life projects was to achieve design lives of 30 years or 40 years (the standard Caltrans asphalt pavement design life was 20 years at the time). Measures taken to achieve those lives included the use of performance-related specifications for job mix formula approvals, higher compaction requirements, and the use of a three-layer asphalt concrete system for structural capacity. These measures required additional costs. Calculations indicate that the longer lives will result in life cycle cost reductions if they achieve the design lives. Hence, periodic performance evaluations are important, which is the purpose of this technical... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8b52q3s4 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Wu, Rongzong Lea, Jeremy Harvey, John Guada, Irwin Rahman, Mohammad https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6k69q4rz Caltrans jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP) and continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) are currently designed for a 40-year life (based on 10% fatigue transverse cracking and 10 punchouts per mile criteria, respectively). While this is already a long-life design, there is the concern that it may not result in the minimum possible life cycle cost and environmental impacts. The current Caltrans Highway Design Manual (HDM), including the Rigid Pavement Design Catalog, and the Standard Specifications applicable to concrete pavements, are based on this 40 year design life. This study includes recommendations for the materials, design, and construction of concrete pavements aimed at extending the design life up to 100 years. These recommendations are based on existing knowledge and tools and indicate the changes necessary to Caltrans’s existingspecifications and practices. However, uncertainties remain in traffic load and climate predictions, as well as the limitations... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6k69q4rz Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Mateos, Angel Butt, Ali A Kim, Changmo Nassiri, Somayeh Harvey, John https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7g41v63n “Major transit stop”: how these three words are defined determines what can be built where, throughout much of California. In order to address housing supply constraints, the state legislature has enacted a number of laws that streamline approval and remove zoning constraints in areas close to high-quality transit. But what, exactly, is a “major transit stop”? Planners, developers, and elected officials construe the sparse definition in state law in many ways — though genuine interpretive disagreement, due to modeling and data constraints, and/or in order to serve political goals of encouraging or stymying development. Differences in interpreting the definition of “major transit stop” collectively make a big difference in what areas are covered by state zoning incentives. A maximal approach to defining “major transit stop” grows the eligible area by over three times more than a minimal approach. The area within half a mile of a major transit stop has generally increased over time.... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7g41v63n Fri, 6 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Wasserman, Jacob L. Barrall, Aaron Millard-Ball, Adam Lee, Amy https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2d42b5gs <p>How industrial policy is shaping battery value chains in the Global South.</p><p>For many countries, the shift to electric vehicles is an opportunity for industrial reconfiguration and economic development where there was previously little room to move up the value chain. This issue of <em>Majority Mobility</em> examines the industrial strategies that Global South countries are pursuing to move beyond extraction to secure a stronger position in the battery economy. Topics covered include a leverage-building strategy in Indonesia, diverging regional industrial policy pathways, mineral trade and circularity, and the fast-emerging zero-emission truck supply chain. These articles show that industrial policy is not abstract but unfolding in real time.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2d42b5gs Wed, 4 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Global South Center for Clean Transportation https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5fh1v02k This report develops a transportation hydrogen roadmap for California projected to 2045, building on previous UC ITS work, in part for the ARCHES hydrogen hub for trucks and ports. This study adds modes such as airports, aircraft, rail systems, and fuel-cell light-duty vehicles. Based on a scenario of high adoption of hydrogen-fueled transport, these modes and sectors would use 1000 tonnes/day of hydrogen by 2035 and 5000 tonnes/day by 2045. To 2035, about 40% of the expected growth occurs in heavy-duty trucking. Another 20% is used by other truck types, about 20% by light-duty vehicles, and 20% by other modes, notably shipping and aviation. These shares remain similar to 2045. Trucking remains the dominant driver of demand. Shipping, aviation, and rail are not anticipated to account for an increasing share of demand in the scenarios in this study. This hydrogen fuel system would support around 6,000 jobs per year. Hydrogen vehicle adoption will depend on strong policy support,... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5fh1v02k Tue, 3 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Fulton, Lewis, PhD Lamichhaine, Madhu Lipman, Timothy, PhD Coffee, Daniel, PhD Kong, David, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6rg2r0cj The Vehicle Weight Safety Study provides supporting analysis for the California Transportation Commission’s study on therelationship between vehicle weight and road user injury and roadway degradation required by Assembly Bill (AB) 251, which was signed by the Governor in October 2023. To inform the work of the CTC, this report summarizes trends of road user injuries and fatalities in California and potential factors contributing to these trends (Chapter 2); summarizes trends in vehicle weight, size, and height for registered vehicles in California (Chapter 3); documents the landscape of policy solutions focused on vehicle size that might address California’s road user injuries and fatality challenge (Chapter 4); analyzes the impact of potential weight-based fees on consumer vehicle purchasing behavior (Chapter 5); and, analyzes the relationship between shifts in passenger vehicle weight and degradation of road infrastructure (Chapter 6). https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6rg2r0cj Mon, 2 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Raifman, Matthew, PhD Griswold, Julia, PhD Brownstone, David, PhD Harvey, John, PhD Stahl, Amalia, MA Atkins, Jon Johnson, Celia Anderson, Michael, PhD Vaco, Federico, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/48398876 Mobilising sub-national action: A model policy framework for promoting zero emission trucks in Indian states https://escholarship.org/uc/item/48398876 Mon, 2 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Ladha, Rijhul Khan, Sarah Das Banerjee, Anannya Ramji, Aditya Agrawal, Sumit Kumar Nitant, Kumar Singh, Abhijeet Mudaliar, Atul https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5mx492jw <p>Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation are rising globally, particularly in emerging economies, where growing wealth increases vehicle ownership, vehicle use, and expansion of road networks. Road infrastructure is vital to economic development, but its construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation contribute significantly to GHG emissions. While extensive research and policy efforts have focused on emissions from vehicle operation, emissions from road infrastructure have not been systematically benchmarked to support mitigation strategies. A holistic lifecycle approach that integrates emissions from road construction, maintenance, vehicle production, operation, and road surface roughness provides a more complete understanding of climate impact from road transportation. To address these knowledge gaps, researchers at the University of California, Davis developed a framework to estimate lifecycle GHG emissions from road networks around the globe. This framework estimates... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5mx492jw Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Filani, Iyanuoluwa O Butt, Ali A Harvey, John T https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9fz4b7dv Since most Californians don’t buy new cars, the used car market plays a vital role in broadening access to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), particularly among lower-income populations who may find new ZEVs financially out of reach. However, little is known about the used ZEV market. To address this gap, our research team analyzed used ZEV market characteristics, buyer demographics, and the patterns of vehicle transfers within the state. The aim of our research is to help policymakers understand how the used ZEV market contributes to California’s broader goals of reducing emissions and ensuring equitably access to clean transportation technologies. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9fz4b7dv Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Tal, Gil, PhD Kurani, Kenneth, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0jm16498 Public direct current fast charging (DCFC) infrastructure is in an early stage of development, depends on public funding,may not be profitable, and its locations may not provide the amenities that consumers want to use while charging. This report explores topics related to these issues: what activities battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers participate in, BEV drivers’ spending on charging and other items while at a DCFC, drivers’ self-reported preferences for amenities at DCFC, and drivers’ reported experiences using DCFC. The results reveal most drivers do something other than using DCFC while charging their BEV; close to half of respondents purchase something other than electricity for their BEV, and this expenditure is higher than the average cost of a charging session. The results highlight the potential for charging providers to explore new ways of generating revenue directly by developing stations with revenue-generating amenities attached, or through symbiotic relationships... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0jm16498 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hardman, Scott, PhD Senthil, Sonali Li, Jiewei (Grant) Jenn, Alan, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5qh4b6hj <p>The objective of this preliminary study was to investigate the effect of delayed compaction and/or stockpiling of cold central plant recycled materials with foamed asphalt recycling agents and cement active fillers. The results are also considered applicable for emulsified asphalt recycling agents and in-place cold recycling. Given that hydrated lime is currently not permitted as an active filler for cold recycled materials in Caltrans specifications, no tests were conducted with lime, and no recommendations are made regarding stockpile time if lime is considered in the future. A separate study will need to be completed for lime if justified.</p><p>The following conclusions were drawn from the test results: (1) delayed compaction or stockpiling results in reduced material workability—characterized by lower densities, strengths, and stiffnesses—which in turn will result in shorter pavement life, (2) delayed compaction or stockpiling can further increase variability in terms... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5qh4b6hj Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Louw, Stephanus Jones, David Hammack, Joseph Tom, Heather https://escholarship.org/uc/item/35m230ss A pilot project for the inclusion of high percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in hot mix asphalt (HMA) was built on State Route 215 in San Bernardino County in September 2022. Five mixes were included in short test sections: (1) a control mix with no recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) or RAP, (2) a mix with 25% RAP and recycling agent (RA), (3) a mix with 30% RAP and RA, (4) a mix with 35% RAP and RA, and (5) a mix with 40% RAP and RA. A sixth mix, which was a typically used mix with 23% RAP, was used for construction of the rest of the overall project. This technical memorandum presents the laboratory test results from plant mix produced for job mix formula verification and from one or two quality assurance (QA) samples, depending on the test, taken during test section construction as well as observations of plant production and construction. Only the control mix binder consisting of the virgin PG 64-28M base binder and the mix with PG 58-34M, 25% RAP, and RA passed... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/35m230ss Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Harvey, John Buscheck, Jeff Brotschi, Julian Yu, Justin Rahman, Mohammad Deng, Hanyu Mateos, Angel https://escholarship.org/uc/item/43h188zb <p>Policy Levers for Global South Electrification</p><p>Across emerging and developing economies, researchers and policymakers are testing new approaches to accelerate vehicle electrification while balancing local priorities such as affordability, reliability, and industrial development. In this issue, we feature contributions from partners advancing electrification policy in Brazil, Chile, Kenya, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.</p><p>This is the first issue of Majority Mobility, a quarterly newsletter and a journal. Each edition will include up-dates on the Global South Center’s work alongside concise, technical articles from our research team and invited contributors from around the world, highlighting timely work aligned with that issue’s theme. It will also feature “A View from the Ground”—short reflections from our government and industry collaborators who are driving sustainable mobility solutions in their countries, offering real-time insights into the imple- mentation of clean... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/43h188zb Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Global South Center for Clean Transportation https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3fv269rz California policy has slowly shifted to require analysis of the “induced travel” effect – the phenomenon whereby increasing roadway capacity increases vehicle miles traveled (VMT). For example, the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans’) Transportation Analysis Framework (TAF) requires analyzing the induced VMT effects of projects on the State Highway System as a part of the environmental review process. Because effectively no TDM currently used in California can pass the TAF’s checklist for model adequacy for estimating project-level induced VMT, agencies must often choose between estimating induced VMT using either the California Calculator – a web tool that is based on empirical evidence of the induced travel effect – or employ a hybrid approach, where the applicable TDM is benchmarked to the California Calculator’s induced VMT estimates. Eschewing both of those TAF-recommended options, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposes two... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3fv269rz Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Volker, Jamey Handy, Susan https://escholarship.org/uc/item/98n5h7sg New car sales is the primary metric for measuring electric vehicle (EV) adoption, however, monitoring transition to EVs overall will require knowing more about what is going on in the used car market. While there is limited research on used EV buyers, examining the characteristics and vehicle costs of individuals who currently purchase used vehicles could provide some helpful insights. Our research team explored the financial impact of a household that typically purchases a used car, choosing a used EV instead. To do this, we analyzed consumer survey data that tracks households’ expenditure on vehicle purchasing and operations on a national scale to identify why households opt for new versus used vehicles and the consequent cost of vehicle ownership. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/98n5h7sg Mon, 2 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Chakraborty, Debapriya, PhD Konstantinou, Theodora, PhD Gutierrez Lopez, Julia Beatriz, PhD Tal, Gil, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9563v33g California policy has slowly shifted to require analysis of the “induced travel” effect – the phenomenon whereby increasing roadway capacity increases vehicle miles traveled (VMT). For example, the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans’) Transportation Analysis Framework (TAF) requires analyzing the induced VMT effects of projects on the State Highway System as a part of the environmental review process. Because effectively no TDM currently used in California can pass the TAF’s checklist for model adequacy for estimating project-level induced VMT, agencies must often choose between estimating induced VMT using either the California Calculator – a web tool that is based on empirical evidence of the induced travel effect – or employ a hybrid approach, where the applicable TDM is benchmarked to the California Calculator’s induced VMT estimates. One of the early efforts to use benchmarking is the induced VMT analysis completed&nbsp;for the&nbsp;I-680 Northbound Express... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9563v33g Mon, 2 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Volker, Jamey Handy, Susan https://escholarship.org/uc/item/83z6q499 Automation is ushering in a new era for motor vehicle safety. Vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) are increasingly on our roadways. ADS systems typically include cameras, radar, LiDAR, artificial intelligence (AI) perception systems, data fusion, and neural network architectures. Research from UC Davis evaluated ADS-related safety policy, data collection, and human-machine interactions. The findings suggest that integrating ADS vehicles with existing infrastructure and operations will require updates to safety definitions, more robust oversight, and clearer regulatory andlegal frameworks. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/83z6q499 Mon, 2 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 D'Agostino, Mollie C. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6fm539tw The Rural Counties Task Force (RCTF) commissioned the Rural Induced Demand Study (RCTF report) to review evidence on the extent to which induced travel – the phenomenon whereby increasing roadway capacity increases vehicle miles traveled (VMT) – occurs in rural areas and to formulate recommendations for analyzing induced travel in environmental analyses for roadway expansion projects and regional plans.&nbsp;The authors evaluate the primary analyses, conclusions, and recommendations (including recommendations for the California Calculator – a web tool that is based on empirical evidence of the induced travel effect - that are presented in the literature review, induced VMT sensitivity analysis, and technical guidance sections of the RCTF report.&nbsp;The authors conclude that the RCTF report’s central argument – that induced travel rarely occurs in rural areas because it does not occur without preexisting congestion – is not supported by the evidence.&nbsp;The empirical research... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6fm539tw Mon, 2 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Volker, Jamey Handy, Susan https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6bh6n1p7 California state agencies, public transit agencies, and cities have invested in dozens of microtransit pilot programs, often with the stated goals of improving access, filling gaps in fixed-route public transit service, and serving communities that are difficult to reach by traditional bus or rail. As microtransit services mature, agencies increasingly face decisions about whether to expand, modify, or discontinue microtransit services—and how to allocate scarce operating funds across competing transit priorities.Despite growing investment, there is no consistent approach to measuring whether microtransit services are delivering meaningful benefits relative to their costs, or whether those benefits are equitably distributed. Without clear and well-balanced performance metrics, agencies risk drawing the wrong conclusions about success or failure. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6bh6n1p7 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hyland, Michael, PhD Watkins, Kari, PhD Shaheen, Susan, PhD Martin, Elliot, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4qk0182c California has set an ambitious target to transition 100% of off-road vehicles and equipment to zero-emission (ZE) alternatives by 2035 “where feasible,” as outlined in Executive Order N-79-20. Interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders—contractors, manufacturers, rental firms, researchers, nonprofits, and public agencies. Intervieweesacknowledged positive attributes of ZE equipment, but barriers were more numerous and included inadequate charging infrastructure, limited grid access at job sites, high upfront equipment costs, limited ZE model availability, and complications with rental-based procurement models. Social and organizational barriers such as operator resistance, climate skepticism, and inequities faced by smaller firms were also noted. Most interviewees expressed skepticism that the 2035 ZE off-road goal is realistically achievable without significant policy and infrastructure support. Commonly recommended interventions included strengthening site-level grid capacity,... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4qk0182c Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hardman, Scott, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0476-7909 Karanam, Vaishnavi, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4647-5250 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0p9928s8 The secondary market for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) will play a critical role in decarbonizing transportation and in bringing ZEVs to lower income populations. Yet research into this market remains limited. Thus, in this study, the characteristics of the used ZEV market, its buyers, and the sources and destinations of used ZEVs were explored. The flows of secondhand, pre-owned, or “used” ZEVs in California were quantified by analyzing vehicle registration and transfer information from the Department of Motor Vehicles from 2016 to 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to examine this market, and the sources and destinations of used ZEVs were modeled using linear regression. Several key trends became evident. First, plug-in hybrids appear to be entering the used market at higher rates than battery electric vehicles. Second, there was a net gain of used ZEVs into disadvantaged communities over the study period. Finally, the number of households in the highest income brackets... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0p9928s8 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Tal, Gil, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7843-3664 Ramadoss, Trisha https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5863-5840 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/39g8d51x Electrifying Ridehail in India: Actions for Industry, Government, and Utilities https://escholarship.org/uc/item/39g8d51x Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Das Banerjee, Anannya Ramji, Aditya Hazelton, Rex Morrison, Geoff https://escholarship.org/uc/item/22t184bb In 2022, California became the first state to eliminate parking requirements in certain neighborhoods. Assembly Bill 2097 (AB 2097) prohibits, in most circumstances, local governments from imposing parking requirements within a half-mile of an existing or planned major transit stop such as a rail station, ferry terminal, or the intersection of frequent bus routes. We examined how cities are responding to this new statewide law and draw out lessons for parking policy as well as other types of state preemption of local land use regulations. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/22t184bb Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Lee, Amy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4736-1482 Millard-Ball, Adam Manville, Michael https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4218-6427 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7f3415ks California has ambitious electrification goals which include the electrification of 100% of off-road vehicles and equipment “where feasible.” While light duty vehicle electrification is progressing—25% of new car sales are now electric and the charging infrastructure is expanding—progress on electrifying off-road equipment, such as construction machinery, has been much slower. To better understand the barriers and opportunities, we conducted interviews with 16 stakeholders, including construction firms, equipment manufacturers, rental companies, public agencies, other researchers, and nonprofits. Their insights highlight the technical, economic,and social challenges facing this sector, as well as potential strategies to accelerate adoption. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7f3415ks Wed, 7 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Hardman, Scott, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0476-7909 Karanam, Vaishnavi, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4647-5250 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8x683995 Turning Rupees into Results: Assessing the Effectiveness of State Electric Vehicle Incentives https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8x683995 Mon, 5 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Palia, Ridhi Das Banerjee, Anannya Ramji, Aditya Khan, Sarah https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3qs6r50g Building Certainty in Critical Minerals: A Strategic Framework for India’s Lithium Sourcing https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3qs6r50g Mon, 5 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Shivani, . Khan, Sarah Ramji, Aditya Das Banerjee, Anannya https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9n1768tk A Regional Roadmap for Zero-Emission Vehicles: Supply-Side Regulations&nbsp;and Market Integration in South and Southeast Asia https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9n1768tk Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Jain, Aakansha Ramji, Aditya Parés Olguín, Francisco https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3db4b4cv Critical Minerals and Resource Governance: Insights from the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3db4b4cv Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Shivani, . Das Banerjee, Anannya Ramji, Aditya https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5wj570b8 How Policy Instruments Are Reshaping Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) Landscape Across Regions? https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5wj570b8 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Shivani, . Khan, Sarah Ramji, Aditya https://escholarship.org/uc/item/35z4p34f The gasoline tax, the primary source of transportation funding in California and United States, is rapidly losing effectiveness as vehicles become more fuel efficient and as electric vehicles enter the market. To address this funding shortfall, many states are exploring alternatives to the gas tax such as a road usage charge (RUC), which charge drivers based on miles traveled rather than fuel consumed. The 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) supports this transition by funding both national and state-level RUC pilot demonstrations. Despite growing momentum, questions remain about how RUCs affect equity. Policymakers are particularly concerned about whether rural residents, who often travel longer distances, or disadvantaged communities, who already face economic and mobility barriers, would be disproportionately burdened. To better understand these impacts, my team examined how a revenue-neutral RUC in California would change the financial burden of switching... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/35z4p34f Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Jenn, Alan, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4232-0697 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0wc135vt The transition to a decarbonized energy system is creating significant changes in the electricity distribution grid, particularly with the rapid uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). This study explores the equity implications of these changes by analyzing needed distribution grid upgrades across various communities in California. Utilizing real-world distribution grid data and detailed simulations of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty EV charging behavior, we assess the spatial disparities in grid resource upgrade needs and utilization. Our findings show that by 2035, with the growth in EV charging demand, high-density residential areas are expected to have a higher fraction of feeders (neighborhood electric lines and transformers) that will need an upgrade. Additionally, communities with higher CalEnviroScreen scores (indicating greater pollution and socioeconomic burdens) generally exhibit lower EV adoption rates and are expected to have a higher share of feeders that will... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0wc135vt Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Li, Yanning, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9203-4114 Jenn, Alan, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4232-0697 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9f45r24p People living on low incomes often lack affordable and reliable transportation options. These barriers limit access to essential destinations such as medical appointments, school, and jobs. In response, several U.S. cities have tested universal basic mobility wallets that provide flexible transportation funds to low-income residents. In 2023, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority launched one of the largest mobility wallet pilot programs, offering $150 per month to 1,000 participants over the course of a year on prepaid debit cards. Participants could use the monthly stipend to pay for transit, ridehailing, carsharing, car rentals, shared bicycles and scooters, and bicycle purchases. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9f45r24p Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Rodier, Caroline, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9107-5547 Zhang, Yunwan, PhD Harold, Brian S. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6893-2267 Drake, Christina, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4jr4348c Accelerating Zero-Emission Truck Adoption in India: Regulatory Design and Sales Credit Trading https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4jr4348c Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Ladha, Rijhul Das Banerjee, Anannya Ramji, Aditya Hwang, Roland https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6q05q3mb Fuel Efficiency (CAFE 3) Norms for Passenger Cars in India https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6q05q3mb Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Ladha, Rijhul Khan, Sarah Das Banerjee, Anannya Ramji, Aditya https://escholarship.org/uc/item/303675p9 <p>This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues.</p><p>VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/303675p9 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Pike, Susie Waechter, Maxwell https://escholarship.org/uc/item/10m052z2 <p>This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues.</p><p>VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/10m052z2 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Pike, Susie https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0pm432rc <p>This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues.</p><p>VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0pm432rc Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Pike, Susie https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9j23v00w Understanding Zero Emission Truck (ZET) Manufacturing and Battery Supply Chains https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9j23v00w Mon, 8 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Ramji, Aditya Jamhar, Jameel https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8rc253cs Micromobility—including shared, loaned, and leased bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters—holds significant promise in supporting more sustainable travel. It supports first- and last-mile connections to public transit and reduces vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and associated emissions. However, the micromobility sector faces persistent challenges, and the path forward to delivering sustainable and equitable services remains unclear.To help chart that path, our research team conducted a Delphi study via two online surveys of micromobility stakeholders (N=45). Based on the findings, this brief presents a research roadmap that reflects the priorities of government, industry, and advocacy groups. It highlights where stakeholder perspectives align and where they diverge—laying the foundation for more targeted and collaborative research, policy, and practice. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8rc253cs Mon, 8 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Sanguinetti, Angela, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9008-7175 Fitch, Dillon, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3760-322X Ferguson, Beth, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7319-2590 D'Agostino, Mollie https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3689-9471 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7rc1x58z People with low incomes often face difficulties traveling because of a dearth of affordable and reliable transportation modes, and this has profound quality-of-life implications. In this longitudinal partial randomized controlled trial of universal basic mobility wallets, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) provided nearly 1,000 residents with prepaid debit cards loaded with $150 in transportation funds per month for 12 months beginning in May 2023. These could be used to pay for local and regional transit, carsharing, car rentals, ridehailing, bicycle/scooter sharing, and merchandise purchased at local bicycle shops. Analysis of surveys before and during the pilot showed a significant increase in transportation security (0.001), accessible destinations (p = 0.035), and use of ridehailing (0.001) for participants in the pilot compared to people not enrolled in the pilot (control). The study also includes observational analyses for the treatment... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7rc1x58z Mon, 8 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Rodier, Caroline, PhD Zhang, Yunwan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3706-4625 Harold, Brian S. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6893-2267 Drake, Christina, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6zt5110c Zero emission trucks are on the verge of rapid adoption in California due to strong regulatory and incentive support, but recent actions at the federal level threaten to stall progress. To achieve the next phase of widespread commercialization, California must take further action to ensure that ZETs are affordable, abundant, and accessible to all businesses. Continuation of purchase incentives is critical to the success of the ZET market, given the current high upfront purchase cost. ITS-Davis has analyzed the design of a zero-emission truck (ZET) incentive program that could help re-design or supplement the current Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Program (HVIP) and continue to provide certainty for fleet buyers to transition, given the recently withdrawn Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation for trucks and federal actions that could weaken or delay implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulation. Our analysis shows that a 10-year time-limited incentive program designed... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6zt5110c Wed, 3 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Dhole, Anuj Fulton, Lewis Hwang, Roland Segall, Craig https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7j7026p8 California leads the nation in a shift to electric vehicles (EVs), with ambitious targets for phasing out the sale of new gas-power cars by 2035. However, this transition raises serious concerns about whether the state’s electrical grid can handle the surge in charging demand. Without careful planning, grid infrastructure limitations and the associated costly upgrades could become a major bottleneck to widespread EV adoption. To better understand this challenge, we simulated EV charging profiles (i.e., how, when, and where EVs are charged) across different types of locations across California, including homes, workplaces, and public charging stations. We then evaluated the impact on the state’s electrical distribution system. Our findings point to where and when the grid is most vulnerable—and what policies can help balance EV growth with grid stability. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7j7026p8 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Li, Yanning, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9203-4114 Jenn, Alan, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4232-0697 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5vx8c2h0 California’s rapid shift toward vehicle electrification will require substantial upgrades to the state’s electricity distribution grid (i.e., the part of the electric power system that delivers electricity from substations to homes, businesses, and other end users). Without proactive planning, these upgrades risk exacerbating existing inequities in access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and grid capacity. Specifically, disadvantaged communities that already struggle with higher pollution and economic hardship have lower rates of EV adoption, but are more likely to need costly grid upgrades to support charging. To better understand these equity implications, we analyzed grid capacity and charging needs across more than 5,000 distribution feeders in California. We combined real-world utility data with projections of EV adoption and charging behavior models for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5vx8c2h0 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Li, Yanning, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9203-4114 Jenn, Alan, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4232-0697 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5996v4gn Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are central to California’s strategy to reduce transportation-related emissions; however, low-income households face significant structural barriers to adoption. These barriers include the high upfront purchase costs of new BEVs, limited supply of used BEVs, limited access to home charging, and low awareness of BEVs. To better understand these obstacles and identify effective policy responses, our research team analyzed survey data collected from 2,051 priority population households throughout California between December 2023 and June 2024. The survey asked households about their vehicle purchasing behavior, ownership costs, and socio-demographics. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5996v4gn Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Hoogland, Kelly, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5791-0767 Hardman, Scott, PhD https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0ts6g50w Many Californians face “transportation poverty”–a lack of reliable, efficient, safe, and affordable ways to get to jobs, school, shopping, and medical appointments. Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) programs aim to close this gap. One approach is providing income-qualified individuals with mobility wallets (e.g., prepaid debit cards) used to cover costs for a range of transportation services and options, such as shared mobility and transit services. The range of transportation choices available to mobility wallet participants often helps reduce reliance on personal vehicles while supporting cleaner, lower-carbon travel. To understand how these programs work in practice, we evaluated UBM pilots in four California cities– Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Oakland, and Stockton–and reviewed similar efforts across the country. Our research highlights design features, challenges, outcomes that matter most for agencies and policymakers considering this new tool for addressing transportation barriers. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0ts6g50w Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Harold, Brian Rodier, Caroline, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9107-5547 Sanguinetti, Angela, PhD D'Agostino, Mollie C. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3689-9471 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9461z5xm <p>Nine climate regions in California for mechanistic-empirical pavement design were identified in 2005 using data from weather stations in the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) from 1961 to 1990, along with data from the Climatic Database for Integrated Model from 1976 to 1995. The climate data were analyzed using the Enhanced Integrated Climatic Model (EICM) software to predict pavement temperatures at different depths, including 28 different flexible pavement structures. For asphalt pavement, the most important environmental variable is temperature. The 2005 climate region map also included asphalt binder performance grades (PG) for each climate region, developed using EICM and Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPPBind) (v.2.0), resulting in four different PG grades for the nine regions. The number of PG grades was reduced from a larger number identified by the PG binder grade specification criteria to simplify the number of grades that would need to be produced in the state.</p><p>This... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9461z5xm Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Rahman, Mohammad A Elkashef, Mohamed Harvey, John https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0q83t5fd Releasing the Pressure: Understanding Upstream Graphite Value Chains and Implications for Supply Diversification https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0q83t5fd Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Ramji, Aditya Dayemo, Kristi https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4gc0j900 Class 2b-3 vehicles, bridging the gap between light-duty and heavy-duty trucks, represent a critical yet underexplored segment in California’s decarbonization efforts. These medium-duty vehicles, weighing 8,501-14,000 lbs., play diverse roles across personal and commercial sectors but remain behind in electrification compared to other vehicle classes. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of Class 2b-3 vehicle ownership, usage patterns, and electrification potential in California, leveraging county-level registration data, household and commercial vehicle surveys, and qualitative interviews. Findings reveal significant geographic, socio-economic, and operational disparities: rural and lower-income counties exhibit higher concentrations of Class 2b-3 vehicles, while electric vehicle (EV) adoption – driven mainly by lighter vehicle classes – remains concentrated in urban, high-income areas. Commercial vehicles in this class demonstrate higher mileage and lower fuel efficiency... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4gc0j900 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Steren, Aviv, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9784-7221 Tal, Gil, PhD Robinson, Anya R. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9375t56r This report examines the differences in what drivers would pay with a gasoline tax versus a revenue-neutral road user charge (RUC) and whether these differences are equitably distributed among rural vs. urban and disadvantaged vs. non-disadvantaged communities. The analysis uses vehicle registration data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, vehicle attribute data from DataOne, and environmental and socioeconomic indicators from CalEnviroScreen. On average, a transition from a gas tax to an RUC would cause drivers in rural areas to pay less per mile and drivers in urban areas to pay more. This difference arises because vehicles registered in rural areas tend to have lower fuel efficiency than those in urban areas. However, the transition from gas tax to RUC would have a similar impact on average cost per mile for vehicles registered in disadvantaged communities (defined as the top 10% of census tracts in CalEnviroScreen) as in other communities.. This study indicates... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9375t56r Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Jenn, Alan, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4232-0697 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/28g0s1r9 Medium-duty trucks in the Class 2b-3 range (8,501-14,000 lbs.) are a critical and overlooked segment in California’s vehicle market. These trucks—used as work vehicles, delivery vans, and large personal-use pickups—are disproportionately owned and used in rural and lower-income communities. While they make up a relatively small share of the overall truck fleet in California, they contribute disproportionately to fuel use and emissions due to their high annual mileage and low fuel efficiency.Electrification of these vehicles has lagged far behind both passenger cars and heavier commercial trucks. According to the California Air Resources Board’s EMFAC model, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) account for just 1.5% of Class 2b and 0.2% of Class 3 vehicles in California, compared to 6.9% of passenger vehicles. This gap reflects both technical barriers (e.g., range, payload, or towing capacity)3 and policy gaps, since many incentive and regulatory programs focus on fleet-owned, heavier... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/28g0s1r9 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Steren, Aviv, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9784-7221 Tal, Gil, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7843-3664 Robinson, Anya R. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7060j8q4 This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues.VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7060j8q4 Thu, 6 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Barbour, Elisa https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6p48d3b2 This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues.VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6p48d3b2 Thu, 6 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Volker, Jamey https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3nz8z47p <p>This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues.&nbsp;</p><p>VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3nz8z47p Thu, 6 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Barbour, Elisa https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1nv61065 <p>This report summarizes the work completed in Phase 1 of a study to investigate the feasibility of using cold central plant recycled (CCPR) asphalt mixtures on airport pavements. Tasks within this phase included a literature review, laboratory and limited accelerated wheel load testing, development of a procedure for designing airport pavements that include a recycled layer, development of test plans for accelerated pavement testing at the FAA’s William J. Hughes facility, development of specifications for constructing the cold central plant recycled layers on the test track, and development of just-in-time training for all personnel participating in the construction of the test track. The specifications and just-in-time training deliverables will be revised for general use based on observations and feedback from construction of the test track.</p><p>The primary conclusions from the study include the following: (1) there is limited published literature on the use of cold recycled... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1nv61065 Thu, 6 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Jones, David Louw, Stephanus Hand, Adam Diefenderfer, Brian Bowers, Benjamin https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1nf7t9r2 This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues. VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1nf7t9r2 Thu, 6 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Comandon, Andre Boarnet, Marlon https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1nb7s2jn This study investigates the evolution of shared micromobility vehicle design and safety practices in the San Francisco Bay Area from 2017 to 2024. Shared micromobility includes e-bikes and e-scooters. Stakeholder interviews revealed that limited protected bike lanes, poorly designed or neglected e-bike and e-scooter fleets, deteriorating road infrastructure, and unsafe rider behavior have impeded the widespread adoption of shared micromobility in urban areas. There is a pressing need for consistent design standards for lighting, battery charging, braking systems, vehicle frames, and wheel sizing to further improve safety and vehicle durability. Recommendations include expanding protected bike lanes, improving road maintenance, offering e-bike riding lessons, promoting helmet use, and encouraging substance-free riding. Enhancing vehicle security and implementing battery safety protocols are also critical for improving charging accessibility and reducing theft and fire risks. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1nb7s2jn Thu, 6 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Ferguson, Beth https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7319-2590 Blandino, Jordan Scott https://escholarship.org/uc/item/490159fh This paper compares global transportation/energy models in terms of scope, structure and the types of scenarios that have been developed, with particular emphasis on projections of low-carbon fuels like hydrogen, biofuels, e-fuels and electricity in transportation decarbonization scenarios. Our review of the models and their scenarios indicates that scenarios with deep CO₂ reduction or globally ambitious climate policies tend to show a large increase in the role of electrification, advanced biofuels and in some cases hydrogen in transport energy by 2050 and/or later years. Different transport modes and sectors have different requirements and are projected to adopt different low-carbon fuels. Electricity is projected to play a key role in road and rail, though liquid low-carbon fuels dominate shipping and aviation and are expected to eventually surpass petroleum use. Deep CO2 reduction scenarios tend to assume strong policies that drive reductions. Policies such as efficiency... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/490159fh Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Zhou, Rui Fulton, Lewis https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0xk7v8g8 Open-loop payments systems allow riders to pay fares using general-purpose payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, or mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), rather than being limited to a single transit agency’s own payment system. Broad adoption of open-loop payments offers major benefits for public transit, including lower costs, greater convenience for riders, and improved operational efficiency. The California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) has helped pave the way for transit agencies interested in this technology by providing resources, guidance, and hands-on support. Cal-ITP works directly with transit agencies to address known challenges and identify solutions to emerging barriers. Understanding how agencies decide whether to adopt open-loop and other technologies is key to ensuring the effectiveness of programs like Cal-ITP. To explore this, we surveyed transit agencies in California to identify the factors that influence adoption of open-loop payments. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0xk7v8g8 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Pike, Susan, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6558-3479 Matute, Juan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4598-5889 Reginald, Monisha https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2244-0592 Saphores, Jean-Daniel, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9514-0994 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0sk2v1vf This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues. VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0sk2v1vf Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Fitch-Polse, Dillon Hung, Elena https://escholarship.org/uc/item/91g6m3m2 This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues. VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/91g6m3m2 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Fitch-Polse, Dillon https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8pm9q4xs This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues. VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8pm9q4xs Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Comandon, Andre Boarnet, Marlon G. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/82d1r9cs The advent of e-commerce has changed consumer behavior and brought about a growing last-mile delivery system. These deliveries provide consumers with access to goods and services that would otherwise require personal trips to brick-and-mortar locations or not be available. To improve the efficiency of last-mile delivery and mitigate potential effects on traffic, communities, and the environment, e-retailers are trying out a diverse set of distribution strategies. These include: (1) using light-duty vehicles such as electric vans and cargo bikes in conjunction with micro-hubs, consolidation centers, and staging areas to reduce heavy traffic and operational costs; (2) establishing collection points (e.g., parcel lockers) that allow customers to pick up their orders at convenient locations, without the need for additional delivery vehicle travel; (3) engaging independent drivers who can provide flexible and cost-effective delivery, (4) deploying autonomous delivery robots and unmanned... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/82d1r9cs Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Jaller, Miguel https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4053-750X https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5tt078qv This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues. VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5tt078qv Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Comandon, Andre Boarnet, Marlon G. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3302s4j4 This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues. VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3302s4j4 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Fitch-Polse, Dillon Nakafuji, Alana https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2z48k56p This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues. VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2z48k56p Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Handy, Susan Hosseinzade, Rey https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1889k270 This project reviews and summarizes empirical evidence for a selection of transportation and land use policies, infrastructure investments, demand management programs, and pricing policies for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project explicitly considers social equity (fairness that accounts for differences in opportunity) and justice (equity of social systems) for the strategies and their outcomes. Each brief identifies the best available evidence in the peer-reviewed academic literature and has detailed discussions of study selection and methodological issues. VMT and GHG emissions reduction is shown by effect size, defined as the amount of change in VMT (or other measures of travel behavior) per unit of the strategy, e.g., a unit increase in density. Effect sizes can be used to predict the outcome of a proposed policy or strategy. They can be in absolute terms (e.g., VMT reduced), but are more commonly in relative terms (e.g., percent... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1889k270 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Barbour, Elisa https://escholarship.org/uc/item/97k9r1f0 <p>This white paper evaluates the feasibility of solar-powered bike paths in California, integrating renewable energy generation with sustainable transportation. Drawing on global case studies—including Germany’s solar cycle path roofing project, the Netherlands’ SolaRoad, and South Korea’s solar-integrated bike path—the study highlights the environmental, economic, and technical benefits of these systems. A conceptual case study along the Santa Ana River Trail in Riverside, California, modeled a 1 megawatt solar bike path capable of producing 2,022,041 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually and offsetting 734 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The analysis used advanced tools like PVWatts (a solar energy output estimation tool), System Advisor Model (SAM), and Jobs and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) to assess energy production, financial viability, and job creation. The Riverside project&nbsp; demonstrated a levelized cost of energy of 12.64 cents per kWh and job creation of... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/97k9r1f0 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Lee, Seungjin Mazarei Saadabadi, Kasra Martinez-Morales, Alfredo A. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5rw5h907 <p>The transportation sector contributes significantly to emissions, with heavy-duty (HD) vehicles responsible for a disproportionately large share. Zero-emission trucks, particularly battery electric trucks (BETs), have emerged as potential solutions to reduce these emissions. BETs offer benefits such as high energy efficiency with low operating noise while facing the challenges such as range anxiety and inadequate infrastructure. This report presents a survey of the latest advancements in battery technologies and primarily focusing on Class 7 and Class 8 heavy-duty vehicles due to their critical role in freight transport. This report further provides information of the status and future expectations of BETs. Finally, a feasibility analysis is presented to assess the battery requirement and operating cost for a 410-mile route from Long Beach, CA to San Francisco, CA. The results highlight the importance of charging scheduling and strategic planning for infrastructure to lower... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5rw5h907 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Hu, Bingtao Ioannou, Petros https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4n75304h <p>Understanding and mitigating non-tailpipe emissions, particularly those from braking activities, is crucial for improving air quality and public health. This study investigates the impact of vehicle brake activity on mobile-source particulate matter (PM) emissions at signalized intersections using a multi-modal data collection approach. The research integrates LiDAR-based trajectory detection, roadside camera monitoring, drone surveillance, and in-vehicle sensor data to analyze braking behaviors and their associated emissions. A hybrid physical-machine learning model was developed to detect braking events and estimate brake-induced PM emissions. The methodology involves LiDAR-based vehicle tracking, trajectory refinement, brake activity detection, and brake emission estimation. By leveraging deep learning algorithms for multi-object tracking and data fusion techniques, the study provides a robust framework for real-time brake activity monitoring. The study further incorporates... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4n75304h Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Wu, Guoyuan Zhao, Xuanpeng Jung, Heejung https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3qh42308 <p>Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, young people have become a considerable share of public transit users. However, younger representatives of this age group still face many barriers to access transit infrastructure and benefit from its service. This study examines a Youth Cruz Free program launched by the Santa Cruz METRO in March 2023, allowing kids and teenagers of school age to use the service for free. The researchers were interested in understanding how the program has changed the travel behavior of teenagers, whether it encourages adolescents to use the service after they turn 18, and what factors influence their overall ridership of Santa Cruz METRO. To reach both current high school students and recent graduates, the researchers completed two rounds of surveys distributed among high schools in Santa Cruz County. The surveys asked about adolescents’ sociodemographics, the availability of different modes of transportation, school attendance, and other variables... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3qh42308 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Pike, Susan Affolter, Bailey Smith, Nina Bonelli Lipatova, Liubov https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2zz6v9zk <p>Meeting and sustaining a requirement that 100 percent of new passenger vehicle and light-duty truck sales be zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) requires everyone who acquires a new vehicle to only acquire ZEVs. This puts an onus on understanding resistance to ZEVs: who is resistant and why. These questions are addressed using survey data from repeated cross-sectional samples of all-car buying households in California in the years 2017, 2019, and 2021. Concepts of resistance are introduced and provisionally mapped onto <em>Consideration</em>, a multidimensional assessment of what consumers have already done vis-à-vis two types of ZEVs: battery and fuel cell electric vehicles (BEVs and FCEVs). Results indicate that active consumer resistance did not abate for BEVs over the study period, and that while it did abate slightly for FCEVs the probability of active resistance became less dependent on assessments of FCEV performance, fuel availability, or comparisons to conventional gasoline-fueled... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2zz6v9zk Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Kurani, Kenneth S. Nordhoff, Sina Hardman, Scott https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2x20p4fg <p>This report develops an equitable and sustainable freight-oriented land use (LU) methodology to support future planning activities, enabling the integration of freight activity across urban, suburban, and rural areas and facilitating the transition of heavy- and medium-duty vehicles toward zero-emission. The methods include a literature review to identify freight sustainable strategies, policy analysis at different scales, characterization of local context, and demand/supply patterns. The latter examines the spatial distribution and land use characteristics of freight facilities and retail/service sectors in the Sacramento region to inform sustainable and equitable planning strategies. This analysis identifies co-location patterns, accessibility gaps, and sectoral interactions using a multi-dimensional approach integrating spatial clustering, distance analysis, population-employment dynamics, and environmental burdens. Data sources include Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2x20p4fg Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Jaller, Miguel Valencia-Cardenas, Maria C. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/201603jv <p>California sets ambitious climate goals that demand a sharp reduction in the per-capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Traditionally, researchers have relied on three types of VMT data collection methods – travel surveys, passively collected data, and simulated data – to estimate VMT or understand factors affecting VMT. However, each of these methods has disadvantages for obtaining a reliable VMT dataset. Although travel surveys are an inexpensive way to collect VMT data with rich traveler attributes, they often suffer from bias and errors in reporting or recalling. Passively collected VMT data, such as traffic count data, can provide precise VMT data, yet they often lack information about “who” and “why” of travel. Lastly, simulated VMT data is useful when making counterfactual testing, but they are after all not real data. In this study, to fulfill the gap between current data collection strategies,&nbsp;the authors&nbsp;introduce a WhatsApp-based VMT data collection framework.... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/201603jv Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Gulhare, Siddhartha Makino, Keita Roshan, Ranbir Circella, Giovanni https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1m7509g2 <p>In response to challenges with providing fixed route transit in rural areas, many transit agencies in the United States and around the world are increasingly looking towards microtransit, a form of flexible route transit service which can be reserved on-demand, to provide transit service in rural areas. However, the immaturity of microtransit relative to conventional fixed route transit means that the benefits and challenges of microtransit in rural areas are still not fully understood. This paper aims to identify these benefits and challenges through the evaluation of a case study microtransit system—the Yolobus BeeLine. The BeeLine is a microtransit service provided by Yolobus, the transit agency operating in Yolo County, California, and is unique in that it operates in both low-density rural and medium-density suburban areas. By conducting ride-along interviews with riders of the BeeLine service, the authors investigate the benefits of the microtransit service for its riders... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1m7509g2 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Liu, Matthew Watkins, Kari Pike, Susan