The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is launching the Regional Transportation Electrification Plan (RTEP) to advance sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. This plan will guide the regional strategy for electric vehicle (EV) planning and investments, aiming to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, leverage economic growth and workforce opportunities, and create actionable implementation strategies.
Together, we can shape our future and develop a dynamic vision and strategic plan to advance regional electric transportation. For this plan to be successful, collaboration and coordination is crucial among many partners from across our region. We invite you to participate, contribute, and help shape One Great Region.
Regional Transportation Electrification Plan Document
The documents below outline the steps taken to develop the RTEP, including analyzing EV technologies, engaging with stakeholders, assessing future needs, and identifying key actions to advance transportation electrification in the metro Atlanta region.
The EV Environment in Georgia
The Atlanta metropolitan area, a dynamic and significant global player, is expected to grow by 1.8 million people by 2050. As the economic capital of the Southeast, Metro Atlanta will also add 1.2 million jobs by 2050. Georgia is emerging as a hub for EV and battery manufacturing and charging infrastructure:
- Since 2018, Georgia has attracted 24 EV-related operations, resulting in 26,000 jobs and $22.9 billion in capital investment.
- This historic capital investment includes large investments in battery and electric vehicle manufacturing from companies including SK Innovation, Hyundai, Rivian, and Kia.
- Georgia ranks as the number 2 state in the Southeast for EV registrations.
Source: Georgia Power Community & Economic Development, 2023
Key Developments in EV Growth:
- Increased investments across the industry are improving electric vehicle range and performance while reducing costs.
- Sales of light-duty electric vehicles are increasing at a significant rate across the country and the ARC region.
- As of November 2024, there are 102,559 electric vehicles in Georgia.
The ARC region may see between 350,000-500,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030, up from 85,113 EVs vehicles in November 2024.
- While most EV owners will charge at home, over 45,000 additional public Level 2 and DCFC charging ports may be needed to support anticipated growth across the region by 2030.
Schedule:
- Summer 2023: Project Initiation & Existing Conditions Analysis.
- Fall 2023/Winter 2024: Defining the Plan’s Vision & Goals.
- Winter/Spring 2024: Developing the Plan’s Implementation Strategies.
- Fall 2024: Prioritizing Action-Oriented Implementation Strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement Process
- Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC): The SAC, comprising 15 members, provided critical guidance and feedback, ensuring the RTEP reflects a wide range of interests and priorities. Virtual meetings facilitated shaping the plan’s vision, goals, and recommendations.
- Listening Sessions: Engaged stakeholder groups and communities, workforce development organizations, CIDs, Chambers of Commerce, and local governments. These sessions provided platforms for open dialogue and gathering valuable insights.
- Utility Outreach: Engaging utility providers was essential for discussing infrastructure capabilities, incentive programs, and strategies for integrating EV charging solutions, ensuring alignment with existing energy infrastructure.
- Stakeholder Interviews: Targeted interviews with key stakeholders, including industry experts and government officials, enriched the planning process with nuanced insights into specific challenges and opportunities.
Vision and Goals
Vision: To lead the Southeast in the electrification of our transportation sector by strengthening the region’s EV ecosystem. This approach will accelerate the adoption of EVs and inform regional EV infrastructure investments, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
RTEP Goals and Actions
Project Purpose
Lead the southeast in the electrification of our transportation sector by strengthening the region’s EV ecosystem. This approach will accelerate the adoption of EVs and inform regional EV infrastructure investments to guide the region and meet the needs of the future.
RTEP Goals
- Expand and Coordinate EV Charging Infrastructure
Build on the region’s current momentum to advance and maximize the growth of the EV ecosystem for all modes of transportation in an equitable and sustainable way. This includes aligning regional infrastructure investments with ongoing planning efforts and engaging closely with local governments and utilities to take advantage of federal and state funding opportunities.
- Accelerate EV Adoption in the Region
Promote accelerated EV adoption across the ARC region by working through common barriers in the EV transition. This includes supporting the ongoing work of partner agencies on outreach and engagement, supporting local governments fleet transition plans, and focusing efforts on sectors that are challenging to transition, including the medium/heavy duty freight sector.
- Boost Workforce Development and Economic Competitiveness
Enhance the region’s economic competitiveness and foster a sustainable EV ecosystem by building and supporting a diverse and skilled workforce. This will be achieved through access to job training programs such as EV and EVSE installation and maintenance, and advanced manufacturing of EVs and batteries.
- Align the RTEP with Regional Climate Planning Efforts to Support GHG Reductions
Ultimately, the continued buildout of the regional EV ecosystem will result in the reduction of transportation related GHG emissions across the region. ARC will continue to play an active role in leading and supporting a number of climate-related planning initiatives related to transportation electrification, including the Metro Atlanta Climate Action Plan and the Transportation Carbon Reduction Plan. These efforts, and others, will help outline regional transportation related GHG targets. The tools and actions identified in the RTEP can be used to support these efforts.
Plan Presentations:
Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meetings
TCC Meetings
TAQC/ARC Board Meetings
Helpful Resource Links:
