Cornell EV Fleet
We are actively developing a robust infrastructure for electric vehicles at Cornell University, including a network of renewably powered fast chargers and a fleet of EVs available for campus use.
The Abruña Energy Initiative at Cornell is transforming campus transportation by rolling out a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) for faculty and staff use, coupled with a network of renewably powered fast charging stations. This project not only supports Cornell’s commitment to sustainability but also provides a practical platform for testing and refining cutting-edge EV technologies, driving forward the future of green transportation.
EV Fleet Integration
The Abruña Energy Initiative is actively integrating a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) into Cornell University’s daily operations. This fleet will be accessible to faculty and staff, supporting Cornell’s broader sustainability goals by reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lowering campus carbon emissions. The initiative is partnering with University Fleet Services who are managing the fleet, ensuring that they are maintained efficiently and are readily available for campus-related travel.
Charging Infrastructure Development
To enable the introduction of EVs, AEI is establishing the seed of a network of fast charging stations across the Ithaca campus. These stations are crucial for the practical use of electric vehicles, providing quick and convenient charging solutions that encourage adoption among the campus community. The infrastructure is being designed to support the current fleet and also scale up, to accommodate an increasing number of electric vehicles in the future.
“Living Laboratory” Approach
The EV initiative serves as a real-world “living laboratory” for emerging electric vehicle technologies, including their onboard power systems (whether battery or fuel cell) and the infrastructure required to energize them. The initiative will enable integration of Cornell-invented technologies, and other innovative technologies, into the vehicles to collect valuable data on EV and FCV performance under various conditions. Likewise, development and analysis of the infrastructure system used to energize these vehicles will help inform improvements to the broader power system. In this way, AEI will allow both startups and established companies to collaborate, fostering innovation and development in the EV sector.
Photo: The EV charger on Cornell Campus
Impact on Sustainability Goals
The deployment of electric vehicles and onsite clean-power charging infrastructure are significant, direct steps toward achieving Cornell’s sustainability goals. These will be the AEI initiative to directly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency on campus. In addition, we believe the initiative will spur indirect positive impacts by helping inform, and accelerate, individual choices about clean energy. By setting a precedent for sustainable practices in transportation, Cornell is not only advancing its environmental initiatives but also educating and influencing the broader community about the benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.
Project updates
First Level 3 EV fast-charging station opens on campus
With a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff on March 11 officially launched the Abruña Energy Initiative (AEI) Level 3 electric vehicle fast-charging station, the first of its kind on Cornell’s campus.