The Biden-Harris administration’s goal to cut all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector got revved up in January with the release of the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Developed by the departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the plan represents a landmark strategy to address the climate crisis and eliminate nearly all greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by 2050.
By accelerating the transition to electric commercial fleets with software that connects vehicles, chargers and the grid, Synop is uniquely positioned to contribute to the success of this Blueprint. Not only do our solutions ease the challenges of EV fleet operations with scalable, smart charging, but as a leader in Vehicle to Grid (V2G) orchestration, we can help regulate energy on the grid and provide new financial opportunities for fleets.
Here are four reasons why we’re excited about the Blueprint:
1. There is a plan. While the strategy may not be perfect, it demonstrates that the wheels are turning ― representing a significant starting point that is essential to the nation’s ability to achieve net-zero GHG emissions. Unlike many previous net-zero goals ― most of which were highlighted by lofty ambitions with little to no specific plans for attainment ― the Blueprint addresses the growing climate crisis with precise actions and tangible timelines to meet the goal of decarbonizing transportation.
2. It highlights the need for grid support. The ability for the grid to handle mass electrification is one of the big question marks around the scaling of EVs. Furthermore, the general aging, degradation, and exposure of our grid to outages from weather events and other occurrences are becoming more commonplace. With the correct software intelligence, EV batteries can help solve both problems, and compared to other vehicle technologies, EVs are much more capable of supporting the grid. In fact, a recent study by IEEE found that EV batteries can meet meet grid demands for energy storage by as early as 2030, and by 2050 provide as much as 10 times the grid’s need for energy storage
Synop’s integration with the grid and other distributed energy resources (DERs) makes us ready to support these use cases. For example, during critical hours of grid stress this past summer, Synop worked in conjunction with National Grid to execute more than 70 MWH of V2G transactions, and we are currently executing a second V2G program with a utility in the NorthEast. Charging curtailment, V2G and V2X driven by intelligent software that connects the grid, vehicles and charging assets will be critical to scaling EVs to meet our net zero goals.
3. It accurately describes R&D priorities . Considering the fact that the transportation sector represents the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States ― responsible for one-third of all emissions ― it’s not surprising that substantial research and development is needed to transform decarbonization goals into reality. In the near term, expect to see bolstered investment in EV batteries and more cost-effective vehicles; enhanced grid integration in the medium-term; and an increased focus on recycling in the long-term.
In the same study cited above, researchers determined that short-term grid-storage demands globally could be satisfied if only 12 to 43 percent of all EVs took part in V2G applications ― with less than 10 percent needed to achieve this goal if half of all end-of-vehicle-life batteries were repurposed for grid storage.
The findings prompted the study’s lead author to encourage policymakers to take note of the significant opportunities afforded by EV batteries. The more EV users who are able to hit the road to V2G participation, the more that electric vehicles can aid grid storage.
4. It incorporates multiple technologies. While Synop is focused on electric vehicles, we understand that multiple fuel and transportation technologies will likely be needed to reach the nation’s decarbonization goals. However, while research continues into the potential use of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel, electric vehicles (EVs) and their supporting infrastructure for clean transportation are well established. Already capable of operating closely with the grid and supporting stationary battery use, EV batteries are not only ready to assume a more significant role, but enable vehicles to be brought on board much faster than a hydrogen-based solution.
Eliminating nearly all greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 2050 is a goal that will require bold, coordinated actions and close cooperation with governments at every level, as well as the private sector, nonprofits and global allies. With the unveiling of the nation’s Blueprint, a practical roadmap has been put in place to help the U.S. achieve its decarbonization goals and create a more sustainable system for generations to come. We at Synop are supportive of the roadmap and are doing our part to electrify commercial fleets one vehicle at a time.
Interested in learning about Synop's software platform for commercial EV fleets? Click "Book A Demo" at the top righthand side of this webpage and fill out the form today!
