Polycentric Governance and Justice in Intra-City Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: A Case Study of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

Abstract

EV adoption is rapidly increasing in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area (PMA). However, access to charging infrastructure is skewed towards predominantly white and high-income homeowners who can charge vehicles at home. Energy transition scholarship predicts a substantial increase in EV ownership over the next decade. However, without addressing inequitable access issues, particularly for low-income renters, there may be a shortage of public charging options in a decarbonized transportation future. Such a disproportionate distribution of charging resources can be further compounded if legislation such as London’s high emission penalties and the proposed U.S. Tailpipe rule are implemented. Since already marginalized communities are disproportionately dependent on older gas-powered vehicles, such policies can place greater burdens on those communities. Thus, addressing barriers to adoption of EVs, such as reliable access to public charging is pertinent. This paper presents a proactive discourse on EV charging equity and uses census tract level data to understand the current distribution of PMA’s public charging network. Through t-tests and logit regression analysis, impacts on various demographics by the existing market driven charging network is also investigated. Building upon the findings of this analysis, this paper calls for greater polycentric governance in existing EJ literature. Such a governance model in the EV charging landscape can more effectively direct resources to underserved areas and promote inclusive decision-making processes. This approach not only fosters resilience but can also signal that EVs are accessible to all demographics, contributing to a more equitable transition to a decarbonized transportation sector in PMA.