The Hawaiian Electric Companies have released an Electrification of Transportation Strategic Roadmap, which forecasts that by 2045, most personal vehicles in Hawai’i will be powered by electricity generated from renewable sources. Hawaiʽi already has the second highest rate of EV adoption in the US.

According to the plan, replacing fossil fuels with electricity for transportation could provide $60 million in benefits to Hawaiian Electric customers over the next 27 years, whether or not they own EVs. Including savings on fuel and maintenance costs, the total benefit to O’ahu’s economy could be as much as $200 million over the same period.

The plan includes the following near-term recommendations:

• Boost EV adoption by working with automakers, dealerships and advocates to lower purchase prices and educate customers.
• Partner with third-party charging providers to facilitate the buildout of charging infrastructure, especially in workplaces and multi-unit dwellings.
• Support customers to transition to electric buses by reducing up-front costs and providing practical charging options.
• Create grid service opportunities with incentives for demand response participation and charging aligned with grid needs.

“This is a global movement that is transforming the way individuals, families and businesses use vehicles, and we have to be ready,” said Brennon Morioka, Hawaiian Electric’s General Manager of Electrification of Transportation. “This roadmap lays out the steps for meeting the changing needs of our customers and communities and adapting to the new technologies we know are coming.”

“Hawaiian Electric first promoted electric vehicles more than 100 years ago,” Morioka added. “Today, the urgency has never been greater to reduce our use of oil. This roadmap will guide our actions. The timing and precise route may change, but our destination and determination to reach it are clear.”

Source: Hawaiian Electric