The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed an interactive web tool to generate site layouts and cost estimates remotely and more efficiently support federal EV charging station deployment.
Federal Energy Management Program
June 13, 2024
minute read time
After visiting nearly 100 federal sites to assess requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed an interactive web tool to generate site layouts and cost estimates remotely and more efficiently support federal EV charging station deployment. EVI-LOCATE (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure – Locally Optimized Charging Assessment Tool and Estimator) uses geospatial analysis, artificial intelligence surface interpretation, the National Electrical Code, component-level costing data, and thousands of invoices to generate location-specific cost estimates and site layouts for EV charging projects.
The initial tool rollout is targeted to federal agencies, with plans to release a publicly available version by the end of calendar year 2024. EVI-LOCATE's development is supported by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and the U.S. Department of Defense Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP).
Streamlining EV Charging Infrastructure Assessment
Cabell Hodge—a senior NREL researcher who leads the lab's analysis of vehicle and infrastructure deployment efforts, with a focus on federal fleets identified the critical need for such a tool based on the considerable volume of requests NREL received for EV charging site assessments dating back to 2016.
"Previously, a team of engineers and researchers would go through the process of navigating various spreadsheets, conducting on-site visits, and compiling technical reports," Hodge said. "With EVI-LOCATE, the entire process can be completed in less than 30 minutes."
Cost components of a level 2 EV charging station installation in Denver, Colorado.
Detailed Cost Estimates and Interactive Assessments
EVI-LOCATE guides users through an interactive EV infrastructure site assessment via a streamlined web interface and provides a detailed cost estimate. Users can select which chargers to install, plan where they will go, and identify whether they have existing electrical infrastructure to support the chargers. While the tool includes several assumptions based on NREL research and experience, users can manipulate dozens of parameters to refine their site plan and cost estimate.
Behind the Scenes: Complexities and Partnerships
"EVI-LOCATE might be sophisticated on the backend, but the tool is designed for usability. If you know how many chargers you want and where you want to put them, EVI-LOCATE can guide you through the rest of the process," said Jason Koman, FEMP Federal Fleet program lead.
Behind the scenes, the tool accounts for complexities like trenching, wire gauges, and electrical upgrades. NREL partnered with GeoDecisions to leverage their near-infrared imagery and deep learning algorithm to assess surface types and identify buildings. NREL engineers programmed National Electrical Code requirements into the tool to determine the type of wiring, conduit, and electrical equipment needed. NREL further partnered with Felsburg Holt & Ullevig and WSP Global Inc. to pull in unique expertise on architecture, engineering, and computer science.
Future Updates and Impact
The initial tool contains necessary details for siting Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Updates with information about direct current fast chargers, bidirectional chargers, and standalone solar EV chargers are underway.
The tool's primary architect, NREL's Ranjit Desai, is adamant that the tool's potential impact will extend beyond its immediate users. "The public release of EVI-LOCATE in late 2024 will democratize EV charging layout design, enabling users from all sectors to utilize its capabilities for their own EV initiatives," Desai said.
Accessing the Tool
With federal agencies increasingly embracing EVs as part of broader sustainability initiatives, EVI-LOCATE is poised to facilitate the widespread deployment of charging infrastructure nationwide. Federal employees can sign up for accounts directly on the EVI-LOCATE website, while federal contractors can email [email protected] for access.
Learn More
Learn more about FEMP's Fleet Electrification and Optimization program.
Watch the videos, Introduction to EVI-LOCATE and EVI-LOCATE Step by Step.