The Utah Intelligent Electrified Transportation Action Plan is a bold, forward-thinking initiative designed to transform the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Established by Utah Legislature in 2023 (Senate Bill 125), this comprehensive plan outlines our vision for a reliable and intelligent electrified transportation system that will serve Utah for decades to come.
Led by a coalition of industry experts, policymakers, and community stakeholders, the Action Plan addresses the critical steps needed to design, fund, and implement an electrified transportation network that seamlessly integrates with our existing infrastructure.
Utah’s Electrified Transportation plan aligns with current 10-year transportation planning phases and is regionally adapted to meet the needs of Utahns for an enhanced quality of life.
We’re at a critical junction as access to transportation is crucial to maintain and improve quality of life, yet our current infrastructure is aging and in need of an update. Electrifying transportation with innovative technologies presents an opportunity to improve air quality and reduce shipping costs as we renovate and rebuild our aging transportation infrastructure, while training the next generation’s workforce.
Transformations target the transportation and electric utility industries, leading to significant growth in domestic jobs and energy production, improved air quality, and public health. Given that vehicles account for half of Utah’s winter air pollution, electrifying our transportation with efficient, accessible, and affordable mobility is perhaps the single-most important step that can be taken to significantly improve our air quality in time for the Olympic Games in 2034.
ASPIRE is preparing Utah’s Electrification Plan under the leadership and direction of a seven-member Steering Committee chaired by the Utah Department of Transportation’s executive director with the assistance of an Industry Advisory Board to offer guidance for the strategic planning and development of the initiative.
ASPIRE has been building cutting-edge research at the forefront of developing technology since its foundation. Our projects include innovative plug-in and wireless charging systems that are integrated into roadways, parking structures, and networking with the electric grid and traffic management systems. We are continually leveraging existing partnerships and building new relationships to further adoption of electrification.
Our partnerships include ASPIRE, the project’s Steering Committee, and Industry Advisors. For more information, see our Participate page.
Leading with innovative solutions, Utah is uniquely positioned to deploy an electrified transportation system. The state’s diverse climates and elevations — ranging from hot deserts to high alpine terrain — present year-round challenges, including extreme weather conditions.
Additionally, Utah’s rural communities are spread across vast open spaces, agricultural lands — with scenic mountain valleys and basins — requiring cutting-edge connectivity solutions. Meanwhile, the urban corridor’s ideal size in both geography and population makes it a perfect proving ground for a comprehensive electrified transportation system that can be scaled to smaller and larger urban areas nationwide and globally.
The Utah Intelligent Electrified Transportation Action Plan, established in 2023 by SB125, is a living document and planning process. It is and will continue to be designed to identify market-driven electrification projects with scaled integration.
Simultaneously manage stakeholder interests while building an electrified transportation system informed by the needs of Utah’s citizens.
Uses a communitycentric, researchinformed approach that balances data with community needs and perspectives.
Build awareness among stakeholders, industry partners, state and federal agencies of Utah’s progress in leading the nation as we electrify our transportation system.
Attract industry partners and federal investment to the state. Collaboration in design, development, and delivery of the systems is crucial to implementation.
Focus on 10-, 20-, 30-year horizons that guide development of the system and programming of funds for its implementation.
Utah’s Ideal Electrified Transportation System (ETS) represents a visionary approach to modern transportation, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge research, development, and planning. This system is designed to scale efficiently, from local to regional levels, ensuring that hardware and charging infrastructure are deployed with precision. By harmonizing transportation and power systems, and incorporating local and regional needs, the ETS is poised to create a connected, cleaner, and more affordable future for all Utahns.
Utah’s Ideal ETS Includes the following Features:
Through collaborative efforts, projects are being deployed and major investments are underway. These lay the foundation for the ideal electrified transportation system (ETS) in Utah, and beyond.
To address the poor air quality along the Wasatch Front, ASPIRE has partnered with Kenworth, UPS, and WAVE to create two zero-emissions routes using a battery-electric Kenworth truck powered by two static 1-megawatt chargers. Developed by ASPIRE’s team at USU, this 1-MW WPT system will be deployed at the EVR in Logan and the Utah Inland Port in Salt Lake City.
To reduce emissions from short-distance drayage routes, ASPIRE will install a dynamic charging system at the Utah Inland Port. This will include two dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems: one co-developed with ASPIRE’s team at Purdue University and one using the Electreon DWPT system.
ASPIRE received a grant from the Department of Energy to develop a plan for multi-modal electrification along the Wasatch Front. The project will deliver a 20-year medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle (MHD ZEV) infrastructure deployment plan — benefitting the communities that experience the most impacts from freight emissions.
Improved Air Quality: Transportation is the largest contributor of air pollutants like nitrous oxide (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5). Based
DOE awarded $150 million to PacifiCorp for grid resilience projects that touch six western states. Just under 100 million will support PacifiCorps PEER project for grid resilience, which is designed to reduce the impact of extreme weather events on portions of the electrical grid serving disadvantaged communities in areas at highest risk of wildfire. An additional $50 million will go toward the company’s Resiliency Enhancement for Fire mitigation and Operational Risk Management (REFORM) project, which enhances control center capabilities with technological improvements.
Utah’s Ideal Electrified Transportation System (ETS) represents a visionary approach to modern transportation, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge research, development, and planning. This system is designed to
SALT LAKE CITY — With Utah’s capital city touted the top city in America to own an electric vehicle, Rocky Mountain Power is launching a new effort to
UTA announced the expansion of the S-Li ne service in Sugar House. The project extends the line to Highland Drive to support economic development and serve the growing population.
ASPIRE received a grant from the Department of Energy to develop a plan for multi-modal electrification along the Wasatch Front. The project will deliver a 20-year medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle (MHD ZEV) infrastructure deployment plan — benefitting the communities that experience the most impacts from freight emissions.
UTA’s Central Depot District Garage, or Depot District, was opened in May 2023. It was uniquely designed as a one-stop shop to accommodate alternative fuel and clean-air transit vehicles. Depot District also houses a fleet of 47 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. In addition to administrative offices and UTA tech center, the depot features charging stations for 24 of its e-buses, diesel refueling, outdoor bus parking under modern canopies, and a bus wash.
UTA received Federal Transit Administration funding to upgrade TRAX light-rail service with 20 new low-floor light rail vehicles that enhance accessibility and improve efficiency.
UTA launched an all-electric fleet of 10 Ford E-transit vans to provide UTA’s On-Demand service in Tooele County. The service provides enhanced coverage, access, and flexibility for riders while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 2.7 metric tons in the initial months of operation.
June 2024 • The Utah Legislature funded development of the first battery-electric passenger train in the U.S. in partnership with ASPIRE, headquartered at Utah State
DOE awarded $150 million to PacifiCorp for grid resilience projects that touch six western states. Just under 100 million will support PacifiCorps PEER project for grid resilience, which is designed to reduce the impact of extreme weather events on portions of the electrical grid serving disadvantaged communities in areas at highest risk of wildfire. An additional $50 million will go toward the company’s Resiliency Enhancement for Fire mitigation and Operational Risk Management (REFORM) project, which enhances control center capabilities with technological improvements.
June 2024 • The Utah Legislature funded development of the first battery-electric passenger train in the U.S. in partnership with ASPIRE, headquartered at Utah State
To address the poor air quality along the Wasatch Front, ASPIRE has partnered with Kenworth, UPS, and WAVE to create two zero-emissions routes using a battery-electric Kenworth truck powered by two static 1-megawatt chargers. Developed by ASPIRE’s team at USU, this 1-MW WPT system will be deployed at the EVR in Logan and the Utah Inland Port in Salt Lake City.
UTA’s Central Depot District Garage, or Depot District, was opened in May 2023. It was uniquely designed as a one-stop shop to accommodate alternative fuel and clean-air transit vehicles. Depot District also houses a fleet of 47 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. In addition to administrative offices and UTA tech center, the depot features charging stations for 24 of its e-buses, diesel refueling, outdoor bus parking under modern canopies, and a bus wash.
The Utah Legislature created the Utah Innovation Fund in 2023 to solve complex and high-impact problems by investing in promising local startups. The fund targets
ASPIRE received a grant from the Department of Energy to develop a plan for multi-modal electrification along the Wasatch Front. The project will deliver a 20-year medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle (MHD ZEV) infrastructure deployment plan — benefitting the communities that experience the most impacts from freight emissions.
ASPIRE received a grant from the Department of Energy to develop a plan for multi-modal electrification along the Wasatch Front. The project will deliver a 20-year medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle (MHD ZEV) infrastructure deployment plan — benefitting the communities that experience the most impacts from freight emissions.
Rocky Mountain Power celebrated the opening of a hyper-fast public charging station at UTA’s Olympus Cove Park and Ride lot in Millcreek — one of 20 fast charging stations planned in Utah. This project was developed in partnership with Electrify America. Funding was made possible using Rocky Mountain Power’s EVIP funds.
Managed by OED, REVI is a $3 million matching grant program designed to provide funds to rural electric cooperatives for upgrading and installing new charging infrastructure. OED is preparing to announce grant recipients in August 2024.
Rocky Mountain Power and UDOT celebrated the opening of eight hyper-fast public chargers near the entrance to Arches National Park in Moab. This project was developed in partnership with Electrify America. Funding was made possible using UDOT’s NEVI funds and Rocky Mountain Power’s EVIP funds.
PacifiCorp received a $6.6 million Department of Energy award to create an enduring regional electric vehicle ecosystem across seven western states. It addresses challenges in critical EV application focus areas that include destination highways, underserved regions, urban mobility, freight and port electrification, along with community and workplace charging. The project coordinates efforts to electrify over 42,000 miles of regional interstate and state highway networks. It includes more than $10 million in cost share. and sustains accelerated growth in freight, business and consumer use of electric vehicles.
UTA’s Central Depot District Garage, or Depot District, was opened in May 2023. It was uniquely designed as a one-stop shop to accommodate alternative fuel and clean-air transit vehicles. Depot District also houses a fleet of 47 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. In addition to administrative offices and UTA tech center, the depot features charging stations for 24 of its e-buses, diesel refueling, outdoor bus parking under modern canopies, and a bus wash.
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