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Navigant Research Report Finds American Universities Are Pivotal to the Plug-in EV Market


Universities are researching the EV space, creating opportunities for partnerships with automakers and technology companies
July 23, 2019 – Boulder, CO – A new report from Navigant Research discusses opportunities for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, dealerships, and universities to build their EV presence, offering an analysis of the university market including employee demographics, market size, existing programs, research opportunities, fleet electrification, and partnership potential.
Several factors signify that university campuses are optimal for EV adoption and mobility programs. With higher levels of education, homeownership, and salaries than the average employee in the US, university employees are an ideal demographic with whom EV manufacturers and dealerships should build partnerships. In addition, most universities in the US are in urban areas—ideal for EV carsharing programs and short-distance trips. Click to tweet: According to a new report from Navigant Research, American universities are pivotal to the plug-in EV (PEV) market.
“Universities are already researching the EV space to find mobility solutions,” says Scott Shepard, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “This creates opportunities for EV manufacturers to partner with universities on research, targeted marketing, building awareness, and carshare deployment, and for universities to work with technology companies.”
According to the report, universities are partnering with technology manufacturers to test vehicle grid integration (VGI) technologies, automated vehicles, battery development, and wireless charging on campus. Partnerships built between universities and EV manufacturers can be multifaceted, involving research, education (including education of the manufacturer’s employees), university employee vehicle discounts, university fleet conversion, and sponsorships (athletics, research centers, etc.).
The report, Shared and Electrified Mobility Starts in Higher Education, discusses opportunities for EV manufacturers, dealerships, and universities to build their EV presence. The study provides an analysis of the university market including employee demographics, market size, existing programs, research opportunities, fleet electrification, and partnership potential. It also includes a case study of Arizona State University where staff and faculty members were surveyed to understand EV adoption demographics. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.
About Navigant Research
Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of clean, intelligent, mobile, and distributed energy. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.
About Navigant
Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare, energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.