Authors:

Angel Antayhua-Reynoso

Date Created:

Not specified

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About Paper:

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)-areas where human development intermingles with wildland vegetation- has expanded by 46% between 1990 and 2020 in the United States. With 115 million Americans today living within these areas, research shows that the WUI is also at the highest risk for wildfires. As electric vehicle (EV) adoption increases and electrified transportation infrastructure expands, WUI communities face unique barriers shaped by dispersed infrastructure, elevated wildfire risk, and limited charging availability. Unlike more urbanized areas, many WUI zones in Utah lack the dense, redundant charging infrastructure needed to support reliable EV use during emergency scenarios. These vulnerabilities are amplified during fire seasons when utilities may cut power to prevent ignition, directly impacting the operability of home charging and limiting mobility during critical evacuation windows. This study examined the current and potential landscape of EV adoption in Utah's WUI regions, with a particular focus on the risks associated with wildfire evacuations and preemptive power shutoffs. Drawing on regional data, land use patterns, and demographic trends, we assess how these compounded risks affect EV uptake. We argue that planning for EV adoption in Utah's WUI must integrate emergency preparedness, microgrid resilience, and investment in off-grid or backup charging solutions. This study aims to inform transportation and wildfire policy in Utah by highlighting the need for a coordinated, place-based approach to ensure that the state's push toward electrification supports, rather than undermines, safety and resilience in high-risk communities. Keywords: Electrical Vehicle Adoption; Wildfires; Wildland-Urban Interface; Evacuation Planning

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Angel Antayhua-Reynoso