For three consecutive years, GW Engineering has served as a central hub for researchers studying electric vehicles (EVs) by hosting the annual International EV Policy and Research Network Workshop. On January 15, over 40 individuals travelled to the Science & Engineering Hall to discuss emerging issues in EV policy and research at the 2026 event.
Sponsored by the University of California, Davis’s Institute of Transportation Studies, the workshop has over a decade of history convening this community, which was renamed this year. Previously titled the International EV Policy Council, the name change reflects the group’s expansion to accommodate EV researchers who are finding it increasingly difficult to find a place to present and discuss their research, such as at the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) Annual Meeting.
“As part of the National Academies of Science, TRB has long been a home for research on EVs, but last year the TRB committees that handle this domain were eliminated, leaving many EV researchers with no central conference,” said Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering John Helveston, who helped coordinate the event at GW Engineering.
The workshop has traditionally taken place immediately following the TRB meeting, which made GW the ideal host due to our proximity to the National Academies in Washington, D.C. Now, it plays an even more important role by filling the gap left by the TRB, offering researchers a platform to share their work with colleagues and receive valuable feedback.
Helveston had the opportunity to present his own research in the first presentation of the day, focusing on the EV market, consumers, and affordability. He detailed an ongoing study exploring how affordable different EV models and offerings are by analyzing a large dataset of historical new and used online vehicle listings.
“This work has revealed some important trends in understanding what EVs are actually available and affordable for Americans across all US census tracts,” Helveston stated.
The remainder of the day featured a second set of research presentations on EV emissions, batteries, and supply chains, as well as lightning talks on topics ranging from policy recommendations to electrifying rural America. As many states across the U.S. look to increase the number of EVs on the road, Helveston is hopeful that the findings showcased here will inform state-level policies.
While the national landscape has changed, this annual workshop remains a vital platform for researchers and practitioners to connect and strengthen a growing network dedicated to advancing transportation electrification.