Electric ride-hailing charging infrastructure: Needs assessment and equitable siting in Houston

Ride-hailing infrastructure announcements in Houston in 2021 indicate a focus on conveniently and equitably placed chargers that are available to the public. This working paper assesses the number of ride-hailing DC fast chargers needed in Houston to support a growing electric ride-hailing fleet from 2021 through 2030, identifying priority sites to expand infrastructure equity and access with a focus on city-owned properties.

This analysis finds that 322 DC fast chargers will be needed in Houston to support the transition of 72,000 ride-hailing vehicles to electric by 2030. To electrify half the ride-hailing fleet by 2025, 218 DC fast chargers are needed. Areas with the greatest charging needs are the IAH / Airport Area, Alief, and Sharpstown. Areas with the greatest DC fast charger density needs include Gulfton, Midwest, Westwood, Museum Park, and Greater Greenspoint.

The distribution of DC fast charging is important to equitable and inclusive e-mobility access. Based on the infrastructure location prioritization analysis, about 16% of Houston’s city-owned properties are in locations that scored in the top 10 percentile for infrastructure siting prioritization. The highest priority Super Neighborhoods are Greater Fifth Ward and Near Northside in Eastern Houston. More granular analysis reveals localized clusters of high priority areas within Super Neighborhoods, such as the area where Mid West, Sharpstown, and Gulfton intersect. The high-priority areas identified in this report correspond with the areas identified as ripe for greater investment in other city equity-focused transportation and planning analyses.

Related Content