Electric Cars: Policy from edX

Electric cars are more than a novel means of mobility. They have been recognized as an essential building block of the energy transition. Fulfilling their promise will imply a significant change in the technical, digital and social dimensions of transport and energy infrastructure. As the massive adoption of electric mobility will deeply change our society and our individual routines, government intervention is called for. If you are interested in learning about the roles of government in shaping the transition towards electric mobility and renewable energy systems, then this is the course for you.

In this course, you will explore the promise of electric mobility from different public policy perspectives and different levels of government, and learn how they interact. After completing this course, you will be able to assess a policy plan to support the introduction of electric cars and make a motivated choice between alternative policy instruments. In the final week, the course will be concluded by connecting the different track perspectives.

The course includes video lectures, presentations and exercises, which are all illustrated with real-world case studies from projects that were implemented in the Netherlands. This includes the Formula-E Team, Netherlands Enterprise Agency(RVO) and Car as a power plant project.

This course was co-developed with the Dutch Innovation Centre for Electric Road Transport (Dutch-INCERT) and is taught by experts from both industry and academia, who share their knowledge and insights.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Distinguishing between different policy perspectives and different levels of government pertaining to electric vehicles
Dealing with policy dilemmas and competing public values

Institutional theory and critical transactions in the future e-mobility/power system
Development and evaluation of effective e-mobility incentive schemes

Distinguishing between different policy perspectives and different levels of government pertaining to electric vehicles
Dealing with policy dilemmas and competing public values
Institutional theory and critical transactions in the future e-mobility/power system
Development and evaluation of effective e-mobility incentive schemes

Syllabus

Week 1: Policy Ambitions

Policy Ambitions

Relevant Policy Instruments in Place

Policy Options in Shaping the Future Part

Week 2: Institutional Theory

Introduction to Institutional Theory

Coherence between technology and institution

EV Policy in the Netherlands

Case study: EV institutions in the Netherlands: Holland E-Mobility

Week 3: EV Incentive Schemes

EV incentive schemes

Non-Financial incentives

Fuel cell EV in the electricity system

Case study: Contracts for Vehicle-to-grid V2G with Fuel cell EV

Week 4: Social Aspects

EV Consumer Behaviour

Optimizing Social Welfare

Privacy and Cyber Security

Value of Flexibility

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches policy perspectives and government roles in electric vehicle adoption and renewable energy systems, which is important for shaping a sustainable future

Suitable for professionals and policymakers interested in the transition towards electric mobility and renewable energy systems

Practical insights with real-world case studies from the Netherlands, a leader in electric mobility integration

Explores policy dilemmas and competing public values related to electric vehicle adoption, providing a well-rounded perspective

Requires familiarity with policy analysis and institutional theory concepts, which may not be suitable for complete beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Electric Cars: Policy with these activities:

Create a comprehensive study guide

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Consolidate your course notes, assignments, and readings into a comprehensive study guide for easier revision and retention

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Gather and organize course notes
Summarize key concepts and theories
Include relevant examples and case studies
Highlight important formulas and equations
Create a table of contents and index for easy navigation

Read 'The Electric Vehicle: Technology and Expectations'

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Gain a deep understanding of the technologies, challenges, and future prospects of electric vehicles. This book will provide a solid foundation for your learning in the course.

View Electric Vehicle Technology Explained on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and skim through the table of contents.
Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Summarize each chapter's main arguments and insights.
Identify any areas where your understanding is still weak and seek additional resources to clarify them.

Explore the Dutch Innovation Centre for Electric Road Transport website

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Explore the Dutch Innovation Centre for Electric Road Transport website to gain insights into real-world projects and initiatives related to electric mobility.

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Visit the Dutch INCERT website
Browse through the projects and case studies
Participate in online forums or discussions

12 other activities

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Review Institutional Theory

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Review the basics of Institutional Theory to better understand the interactions between technology and institutions in the context of e-mobility.

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Read the introductory chapter of the book "Institutions and Organizations: Perspectives on Evolution and Change"
Watch the video lecture on "Institutional Theory and E-Mobility" from the course

Build a miniature electric car model

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Build a miniature electric car model to better understand the engineering principles behind electric vehicles.

Browse courses on Electric Cars

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Connect the motor to the battery
Attach the wheels
Gather materials: cardboard, scissors, tape, motor, battery, wheels
Assemble the car frame using cardboard
Install the motor and battery

Explore EV policy case studies

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Investigate real-world examples of EV policies to gain practical insights and enhance your understanding of policy implementation

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Select a specific EV policy case study
Research the policy's background, goals, and implementation
Identify the challenges and successes of the policy
Analyze the policy's impact on the adoption of EVs

Analyze E-Mobility Policy Plans

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Practice assessing and comparing different policy plans for supporting the introduction of electric cars.

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Select two or three e-mobility policy plans from different jurisdictions
Identify the key elements and objectives of each plan
Compare and contrast the plans, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses

Explore Case Studies of Electric Vehicle Initiatives

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Gain insights from real-world examples of successful electric vehicle initiatives to enhance your understanding of policy implementation.

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Visit the websites of organizations like the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Bank.
Search for case studies on electric vehicle policies and initiatives.
Read the case studies and take notes on the key elements of each initiative.
Discuss your findings with classmates or the instructor to share perspectives.

Solve Practice Problems on Policy Instruments

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Test your understanding of the different policy instruments that can be used to shape the future of electric mobility and renewable energy systems.

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Review the course materials on policy instruments.
Solve practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
Discuss your solutions with classmates or the instructor to clarify your understanding.

Practice assessing EV incentive schemes

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Complete practice assignments on assessing EV incentive schemes to reinforce your understanding of course concepts

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Review the provided case study
Identify the key criteria for evaluating the incentive scheme
Collect data on the scheme's implementation and outcomes
Analyze the data using the evaluation criteria
Formulate conclusions and recommendations based on your analysis

Develop an E-Mobility Incentive Scheme

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Design and evaluate an e-mobility incentive scheme to support the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

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Identify the target audience and objectives of the incentive scheme
Research best practices and case studies of successful e-mobility incentive schemes
Develop a detailed plan for the implementation and evaluation of the scheme

Simulate EV charging infrastructure planning

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Engage in simulations to design and optimize EV charging infrastructure networks, enhancing your understanding of the practical aspects of EV adoption

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Choose a simulation tool and gather necessary data
Develop a model for EV charging demand
Simulate different charging infrastructure scenarios
Analyze the simulation results and identify optimal solutions

Develop a Policy Proposal for Electric Mobility

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Put your learning into practice by creating a policy proposal that addresses key challenges and opportunities in the electric mobility sector.

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Research current policies and regulatory frameworks for electric mobility and renewable energy systems.
Identify policy gaps and areas for improvement.
Develop a policy proposal that addresses the identified gaps and includes specific policy instruments.
Write a policy brief summarizing your proposal and its potential impact.

Design an Electric Vehicle Charging Network

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Develop a comprehensive plan for the design and implementation of an electric vehicle charging network in a specific region or city.

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Conduct a needs assessment to determine the demand for charging infrastructure
Identify potential locations for charging stations based on factors such as traffic patterns and population density
Design the charging network architecture, considering factors such as power capacity, connectivity, and scalability

Develop a Business Plan for an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

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Apply your knowledge of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to develop a comprehensive business plan for a charging station.

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Research the current market for electric vehicle charging stations.
Identify a suitable location for your charging station.
Develop a business plan that includes financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans.

Career center

Learners who complete Electric Cars: Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Electric Vehicle Product Manager

Electric Vehicle Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of electric vehicles. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring electric vehicles to market. This course would be extremely beneficial to those in this role, providing foundational knowledge about the policy environment surrounding electric vehicles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electric Vehicle Product Manager

Electric Vehicle Policy Analyst

Electric Vehicle Policy Analysts research and analyze electric vehicle policies. They make recommendations on how to improve electric vehicle policies and promote the adoption of electric vehicles. This course would be highly relevant to those in this role and may even be required depending on the responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electric Vehicle Policy Analyst

Electric Vehicle Charging Network Manager

Electric Vehicle Charging Network Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and operating electric vehicle charging networks. They work with utilities, businesses, and governments to deploy and manage charging stations. This course may be helpful to those in this role who are interested in learning more about electric vehicle charging infrastructure and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electric Vehicle Charging Network Manager

Electric Vehicle Sales Manager

Electric Vehicle Sales Managers are responsible for selling electric vehicles to customers. They work with customers to understand their needs and help them choose the right electric vehicle for them. Those in this role would benefit from taking this course to learn how to better advise customers on the policies surrounding electric car use.

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Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Specialist

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Specialists plan, design, and install electric vehicle charging stations. They work with utilities, businesses, and governments to develop and implement charging infrastructure that supports the growing adoption of electric vehicles. This course would be extremely useful to those in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Specialist

Smart Grid Engineer

Smart Grid Engineers design, develop, and implement smart grid technologies. They work to improve the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of the electric grid. This course would be useful to those in this role who are interested in the intersection of electric vehicles and the smartgrid.

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Energy Storage Specialist

Energy Storage Specialists design, develop, and implement energy storage systems. They work to store energy from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, for use when needed. Those in this role may have a background in electrical engineering or another related field. Taking this course may be helpful to expand your understanding of energy storage in relation to electric vehicles.

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Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors provide advice to government officials on policy issues. They research and analyze policy options and make recommendations on how to implement policies. Those in this role would benefit from this course because it would help them understand the policies surrounding electric vehicles.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Those in this role may work in a variety of industries, including the energy sector. This course could be helpful to those working on projects related to electric vehicles.

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Renewable Energy Developer

Renewable Energy Developers develop and implement renewable energy projects. They work with landowners, utilities, and governments to bring renewable energy projects to fruition. This course may be useful to those in this role who are interested in the intersection of electric vehicles and renewable energy.

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Energy Consultant

An Energy Consultant develops and executes efficient and effective energy management strategies for clients. These strategies focus on reducing energy consumption and decreasing energy costs. They may also be tasked with consulting on renewable energy projects and infrastructure. Having knowledge of electric vehicles from this course would be attractive to employers, especially those that are looking for consultants to advise on the future of energy including electric transport. While an Energy Consultant typically needs a Master's degree in energy policy, energy economics or another related field, this course may help build a foundation that would help you enter and explore careers in this field.

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Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers plan, design, and build transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and traffic systems. They use their knowledge of engineering principles to ensure that transportation systems are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. This course can help those in this role to design infrastructure that is conducive to the growth of electric vehicles and charging stations.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts study, develop, and evaluate government policies. They analyze the impact of policies on a variety of stakeholders and make recommendations for improvements. Those in this role typically need at least a master's degree. However, this course may be useful for those that have a bachelor's degree and an interest in government policy and working for or advising the government.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to protect the environment and human health by designing and implementing solutions to problems such as air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. Those wishing to enter this field need a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field, but this course may be helpful to explore career opportunities in roles related to electric cars and cleaner energy.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of organizations and promote social responsibility. Those in this role typically have a Master's degree, but those with a bachelor's degree may be able to enter the field with some experience and can benefit from taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager