In this project, the research team will assess the impacts of discounted express lane tolls on ZEV adoption statewide and specifically in disadvantaged communities and areas where these discounts will have the largest impact. The results of this analysis will be used to propose a discount system that will encourage ZEV adoption but not overly burden express lane infrastructure.
This research will determine whether charging at roadside rest areas, especially those along interstate highways, are likely to meet the needs of the trucks that have multi-day trips.
Automated vehicles have the potential to reduce the need for parking, but they also have the potential to increase congestion through picking up and dropping off passengers. This project studies such possible environmental effects.
This research project will study battery technologies that can significantly increase the energy density to at least 500 Wh/kg or higher and reduce charging time to fifteen minutes or lower and have a cell cost to the original equipment manufacturer of $70/kWh or lower in a large battery pack (>500 kWh).
Through development of necessary benchmarks as well as robust tools for assessment and improvement, this work will better inform the procurement of concrete for transportation infrastructure. Further, the tools developed will quantify potential co-benefits or unintended consequences to other environmental impacts.
Yosemite National Park attracts 4.5 million visitors a year, 60% of whom spend at least some time in Yosemite Valley where many of the park’s natural wonders are found. Bicycles have been a popular travel alternative within the valley. The purpose of this project is to explore the potential for bicycling to play a larger role in the effort to manage Yosemite Valley traffic and reduce environmental impacts.
The Caltrans Sustainable Freight Academy is a four-day in-person training for professional development for Caltrans staff to be held in the fall of 2024 in California’s Central Valley. It is designed to build capacity within department staff, allowing them to gain knowledge of current trends and issues affecting the movement of freight throughout the state.
