Calif.-based Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) announced it will begin developing four new pilot projects aimed at helping fleet and residential customers simplify electric vehicle (EV) charging. PG&E’s projects aim to support widespread EV adoption, with a focus on medium- to heavy-duty vehicles since these vehicles typically run on diesel.

For these programs, PG&E plans to partner with a local transit agency to demonstrate how battery storage and smart charging can lower operating costs; test new incentive structures to target EV charging for school buses during high renewable generation, such as during the day when there is excess solar energy; evaluate economic viability for technologies that help customers with heavy-duty fleets eliminate engine idling to power auxiliary vehicle loads; and develop online resources to help simplify home charger purchasing and installation for residential customers.

The four projects were approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) earlier this month.