Research

I study the effect of electricity prices on market entry of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. I compile a novel dataset linking commercial electricity prices to charging stations across U.S. ZIP codes from 2015–2022. I convert complex pricing schedules into a standardized cost metric by constructing station-level load profiles from observed charging sessions and calculating monthly bills. Using synthetic control and local projection difference-in-differences designs, I estimate the effects of new price schedules for EV charging stations, aimed at reducing high demand charges. The results show that these schedules substantially lowered demand charges for DC fast charging stations by 50% and increased the entry of DC fast charging ports by by 35% per zip code, underscoring the role of targeted rate design in accelerating EV infrastructure growth.

We examine the impact of Maryland’s driver’s license renewal period extension on fatal crashes involving senior drivers using county-level data from 2012–2019 and the Synthetic Difference-in-Differences method. Results indicate an increase in fatal crashes among older drivers, particularly in urban counties, with some estimates statistically significant. The findings suggest that renewal cycle extensions may exacerbate crash risks for senior drivers, especially in urban areas.