Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Despite possessing immense benefits, the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has not reached its full potential. The growing popularity of EVs has also led to unequal access for the general public, creating a huge disparity in adoption between disadvantaged communities (DACs) and non-disadvantaged communities (non-DACs). Using publicly available data, this research aims to determine whether access to Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCSs) is equitable across DACs and non-DACs, and what drives this access from an infrastructure perspective. To complement those findings, a survey conducted across New Mexico is used to assess public perception, preferences, and barriers to EV adoption. Results show DACs experience longer travel times, while cost and charging access strongly influence EV adoption. Findings from this study provide insights into where the disparity exists in New Mexico and the key factors hindering EV market penetration, helping policymakers better understand current challenges and develop more effective policies and strategies.

Keywords

Electric Vehicle Adoption, Charging Infrastructure Accessibility, Transportation Equity, Disadvantaged Communities, Spatial Analysis, New Mexico

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lisa L. Losada-Rojas

Second Committee Member

Karim Habib

Third Committee Member

Su Zhang

Fourth Committee Member

Carlos Rivera-Gonzalez

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Available for download on Tuesday, May 16, 2028

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