Graduation Date
Spring 2019
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Environmental Systems, option Energy, Technology, and Policy
Committee Chair Name
Kevin Fingerman
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Peter Alstone
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Arne Jacobson
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Hawaiian Islands, Vehicle electrification, Tourism, Sustainability, Energy, Technology, Policy
Subject Categories
Environmental Systems
Abstract
Rental car fleets have high potential to contribute to electric vehicle (EV) adoption within the Hawaiian Islands as part of the state’s efforts to fully decarbonize its ground transportation by 2045. Of the four main islands, Kauaʻi County’s small and simple road network, high penetration of renewable energy, and low speed limits make it an ideal candidate for a pilot EV rental program. This research seeks to accomplish three primary goals: a) quantify the relative economic and environmental benefits of rental electric vehicles over internal combustion rentals, b) identify crucial locations for additional charging infrastructure, and c) provide policy recommendations aimed at improving EV adoption both within Kauaʻi County and the State of Hawai’i. Across all three examined categories, EVs appear to cost more than internal-combustion vehicles for rental car companies, requiring additional measures to achieve cost parity. Previous studies suggest that in tourist-heavy destinations, partnering with local businesses and attractions to offer benefits to EV rental program participants may increase the appeal of switching away from a conventional rental car. The Plug-in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (PEVI) model highlights a near-term need for DC Fast Chargers on the north and west sides of the island, and predicts a significant need for additional chargers in the urban core of Kapa‘a by 2025. Composing an EV rental fleet of exclusively long-range (>200 miles/full charge) electric vehicles can help eliminate the common problem of “range anxiety”, especially when coupled with a reliable, wide network of DC Fast Chargers.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Ichien, Derek K., "Beyond the paradise tax: Assessing the potential for rental vehicle electrification in Kaua'i County, Hawai'i" (2019). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 255.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/255