Tools

Greening the Grid offers stakeholders in the energy and transport sectors advanced tools to analyze and understand various aspects of sustainable transport deployment and integration. Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and international partners, these globally utilized tools support effective planning, policy-making, and implementation of sustainable transport initiatives.

Below, you will find a collection of tools designed to address specific questions and challenges related to sustainable transport, helping to promote sustainable and equitable clean energy transitions worldwide.

Tool	Description	Key Questions	Application
EVI-Pro: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Projection Tool	EVI-Pro estimates how much electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is needed in a designated area to meet a given demand.	Where should EV charging stations be located to meet future demand How much EV charging infrastructure is needed in a specific area? What variations and uncertainties need to be accounted for in infrastructure planning?	National Charging Infrastructure Analysis in Colombia: The EVI-Pro tool was customized for Bogotá, Colombia, using local travel data to estimate the EV charging infrastructure needed to support 600,000 EVs by 2030. This helped stakeholders plan for future charging station demand and facilitated the transition to electric mobility by guiding the development of charging stations where they would be most needed.
OpenPATH: Open Platform for Agile Trip Heuristics	OpenPATH enables individuals to track their travel modes—by car, bus, bike, walking, etc.—and measure their associated energy use and carbon footprint. It empowers communities to collect and understand their own travel data while achieving place-based, locally relevant sustainable mobility goals.	What are the typical travel modes and patterns within a community? What is the energy use and carbon footprint associated with different travel modes? How can travel data inform sustainable transportation planning?	Laos Transportation and EV Planning: To support Laos' ambitious EV deployment goals, NREL developed a Laos-specific version of OpenPATH. This app-based tool collects and analyzes travel data, aiding stakeholders in understanding travel patterns and informing sustainable and inclusive transportation and EV planning. A workshop was held to emphasize the importance of gender-disaggregated data and the tool's potential in achieving local mobility goals.
EVOLVE: Evolution of Net Load Variation from Emerging Technologies	EVOLVE supports data analysis and visualization of electricity load data and potential impact of distributed energy resource (DER) technologies such as rooftop solar PV, battery energy storage, and EVs.	What is the potential impact of rooftop solar PV deployment on net feeder load? How much of peak energy consumption could be met through solar PV or battery energy storage? What impact could shifting the charge timing of EVs have on net feeder load?	Distributed Energy Resource Integration in India: With support from USAID, an NREL team worked with Delhi's state utility, BYPL, to understand the evolution of net load profile with the growing adoption of DER technologies, such as EVs. The EVOLVE assessment with BYPL determined that distributed technologies could indeed create incremental shifts in demand throughout the day that, in aggregate, could accelerate BYPL's need to overhaul operation and planning. Using EVOLVE to understand how a utility's load may change with new DER technologies provides the utility an opportunity to plan for these overhauls in advance.
EMERGE: Emerging technologies Management and Risk evaluation for distribution Grid Evolution	EMeRGE integrates feeder-level power flow models to visualize the potential impact of DERs integration on power quality (network voltage, line and transformer loading, etc.) and asset lifetime. Visualization capabilities enable users to evaluate snapshot and time series simulation of network impact metrics.	What level of distributed solar PV integration might increase power quality risks (e.g., frequency violations) on the distribution network? What is the impact of distributed solar PV integration on asset health and lifetime? To what degree can advanced inverter controls mitigate power quality or network delivery risks with rising levels of distributed solar integration?	Distributed Energy Resource Integration in India: With India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and decreasing rooftop solar prices, customer adoption of rooftop solar on Tamil Nadu’s distribution network is set to increase. To address the challenge of assessing the impact of these emerging DERs, NREL applied the EMeRGE analysis framework to help the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company (TANGEDCO) and other distribution companies in India analyze new interconnection applications and evaluate system risk impacts over time with new emerging DERs.
I-JEDI: The International Jobs and Economic Development Impact Tool	The I-JEDI model is a free tool for analyzing the economic impacts of renewable energy development worldwide. It estimates the employment, earnings, GDP, and output from the construction and operation of renewable energy projects across the domestic supply chain, including impacts by industry.	What are the economic impacts of scaling up EVs on employment, earnings, and GDP? How does the transition to EVs affect different industries? How can EV deployment policies be designed to align with economic development goals while considering affected workers and activities?	Biofuel Industry Impact Analysis in Thailand. Through the Advanced Energy Partnership for Asia, NREL and Thailand's Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) developed a custom tool based on I-JEDI to estimate the impacts of a complete EV transition on the local biofuels industry. This collaboration supports DEDE in designing EV deployment policies that consider the impacts on workers and economic activities. The project also built DEDE's capacity to conduct further studies and potentially expand the use of the model into other industries. USAID and NREL plan to continue advisory support for DEDE as they use the tool to address future transport challenges.

To support effective and adaptable clean energy transitions, a range of tools is available for international application. The overview below includes tools that can be utilized globally, even in the absence of specific in-country project examples, and features both open-source and proprietary options. It is designed to guide users in selecting the most suitable tools for their needs, including USAID-NREL country partners involved in clean energy projects.

Vehicles and Mobility

Tool	Description	Key Questions
AFLEET: Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation	The AFLEET tool uses data from Argonne’s Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET) fuel-cycle model to estimate petroleum use, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution emissions, and cost of ownership of light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.	What are the environmental impacts of different alternative fuel and advanced vehicle options, including petroleum use, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollutant emissions? How do the costs of ownership compare among light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles when using various alternative fuels and advanced technologies? What are the projected life-cycle environmental and economic benefits of switching to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles in a specific context or fleet?
ALTRIOS: Advanced Locomotive Technology and Rail Infrastructure Optimization System	ALTRIOS is a simulation and optimization software tool to guide railway operators, locomotive manufacturers, government regulatory agencies, national labs, and universities in deep rail decarbonization.	What are the optimal strategies for deploying various locomotive technologies to achieve cost-effective decarbonization across a rail network? How can the integration of different powertrain technologies, such as battery electric or fuel cell locomotives, impact operational efficiency and infrastructure needs? What are the potential operational cost savings and scheduling impacts of implementing advanced locomotive technologies in a multi-decade rail network simulation?
CoolSim: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Model	CoolSim provides a transient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) modeling tool in the MATLAB/Simulink environment for both integrated Autonomie and standalone simulation.	How do different thermal management design options impact the energy efficiency and overall performance of HVAC systems in vehicles? What are the trade-offs between various HVAC system components, such as compressors and condensers, in terms of their impact on vehicle energy consumption? How can the CoolSim model be used to optimize HVAC system design to achieve desired temperature control and energy savings while meeting performance requirements?
DRIVE: Drive-Cycle Rapid Investigation, Visualization, and Evaluation Tool	DRIVE uses global positioning system (GPS) and controller area network (CAN) data to characterize vehicle operation and produce custom vehicle drive cycles based on real-world activity.	How can custom drive cycles be used to accurately reflect real-world vehicle operation and performance across different vehicle types? What insights can be gained from comparing custom drive cycles generated from raw data with industry standard test cycles? How can the analysis and comparison capabilities assist fleet managers and vehicle developers in evaluating technology investments and optimizing component sizing?
FASTSim: Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator	FASTSim provides a simple way to compare powertrains and estimate the impact of technology improvements on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle efficiency, performance, cost, and battery life.	How do different vehicle powertrains compare in terms of efficiency, performance, and cost? What impact do technology improvements have on vehicle performance, battery life, and overall cost? How can rapid simulation capabilities help assess the efficiency and cost of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles under various conditions?
HIVE: Highly Integrated Vehicle Ecosystem Simulation Framework	NREL's HIVE framework simulates the operations of mobility-service-provider fleets.	How do different fleet compositions and operational behaviors impact energy use, emissions, and overall service levels? What insights can be gained from varying parameters such as EV charging infrastructure, vehicle types, and economic factors on fleet performance? How can changes in customer behavior, such as pooling or delaying travel, affect the efficiency and effectiveness of mobility service operations?
OpenPATH: Open Platform for Agile Trip Heuristics	OpenPATH enables people to track their travel modes—by car, bus, bike, walking, etc.—and measure their associated energy use and carbon footprint.	How can the collected multi-modal travel data be used to assess and improve local sustainable mobility goals and infrastructure quality, particularly in underserved or low-income communities? What insights can be gained from analyzing travel patterns, energy use, and carbon footprint data to address disparities and promote equitable access to transportation options? How can the data support program evaluation and inform the design of future mobility initiatives to ensure they meet the needs of all community members, including those from marginalized or disadvantaged groups?
Vehicle Cost Calculator	This tool uses basic information about your driving habits to calculate total cost of ownership and emissions for makes and models of most vehicles, including alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.	How does the total cost of ownership and emissions for different vehicle makes and models compare, particularly for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, across various income levels and demographics?

Infrastructure and Grid Resiliency

Electricity
Tool	Description	Key Questions
EVI-X Modeling Suite	NREL's EVI-X modeling suite informs the planning and development of large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure deployments—from the regional, state, and national levels to site and facility operations.	How can the number, type, and location of EV charging ports be optimized to ensure equitable access across various communities? What are the most effective strategies for managing EV charging loads to minimize impacts on the electrical grid and ensure reliable access for all users? How can site design be optimized to support dynamic roadway charging and maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of charging infrastructure?
EVI-Pro: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure — Projection Tool	EVI-Pro estimates how much electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is needed in a designated area to meet a given demand.	How can infrastructure be scaled to meet the expected demand for EV charging in a specific area, considering factors like travel patterns and EV adoption rates? What variations and uncertainties in vehicle technologies, user demographics, and charging preferences need to be accounted for when designing a robust EV charging network? How does the quantity and type of charging infrastructure required change based on different scenarios and projections of EV market adoption?
EVI-EDGES: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure — Enabling Distributed Generation Energy Storage	NREL's EVI-EDGES Model configures optimal, cost-effective behind-the-meter-storage (BTMS) and distributed generation systems based on the climate, building type, and utility rate structure of potential electric vehicle (EV) charging sites.	How can behind-the-meter storage and distributed generation systems be optimized to minimize the costs and grid impacts associated with high rates of EV adoption? What are the most cost-effective configurations for integrating energy storage, solar PV, and EV charging infrastructure based on various climate, building type, and utility rate factors? How do different design parameters, such as climate conditions, utility rate structures, and building energy profiles, affect the levelized cost of charging and overall system efficiency?
EVI-EnSite: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure — Energy Estimation and Site Optimization Tool	EVI-EnSite is a charging station design, modeling, and analysis tool. Researchers use EVI-EnSite to conduct studies related to the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging station infrastructure as well as the operation and quality of service at such stations.	How can various configurations of charging stations impact energy management and quality of service for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty EVs? What are the effects of different charging algorithms and station designs on vehicle queuing, charging load profiles, and overall station performance? How can novel station energy management systems and charging procedures be optimized to handle diverse power capacities and futuristic EV adoption scenarios?
EVI-FAST: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure — Financial Analysis Scenario Tool	The EVI-FAST tool provides a quick and convenient, in-depth financial analysis for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It includes multiple revenue streams, including advertisement and increased demand for retail goods.	What are the financial implications of different charging equipment configurations, including aspects like investor payback period, net present value, and break-even cost? How do varying parameters such as electricity prices, demand charges, and incentives impact the overall financial performance of EV charging infrastructure? What are the potential risks and returns associated with different financing structures and assumptions for EV charging projects?
EVI-InMotion: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure — In Motion Tool	The EVI-InMotion tool is used for planning, optimizing, and analyzing the feasibility of charging EVs while driving on electric roads.	How can dynamic charging systems be optimized for various vehicle types and driving conditions to enhance EV efficiency and driving range? What are the impacts of deploying dynamic chargers on public roadways, including cost, coverage, and system performance? How do different dynamic charging technologies compare in terms of their feasibility and effectiveness for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles?
EVI-LOCATE: The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure-Locally Optimized Charging Assessment Tool and Estimator	EVI-LOCATE) is a comprehensive design tool to get you started on your electric vehicle charging station deployments plans from layout to cost estimates.	What are the optimal number and power levels of charging ports needed for my EV charging station deployment? How can existing utility assets, such as transformers and service panels, be integrated into my charging station design? What are the potential cost estimates and layout considerations for my EV charging station project?
EVI-OnDemand: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure — On Demand Tool (GitHub)	EVI-OnDemand is a simulation platform which estimates fast-charging infrastructure requirements necessary to support ride-hailing electrification.	What are the infrastructure requirements for fast-charging to support the electrification of ride-hailing services? How can the simulation platform help in determining the optimal locations and capacities for fast-charging stations in ride-hailing networks? What are the potential impacts of different fast-charging infrastructure scenarios on the operational efficiency of ride-hailing services?
VICE: The Vehicle and Infrastructure Cash-Flow Evaluation Model	VICE models are financial tools developed by NREL to help fleet managers assess the financial soundness of converting vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) or battery electric buses (BEB).	What is the net present value and payback period for converting a fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG) or battery electric buses (BEB)? How does the financial soundness of investing in alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure change with different fleet-specific data inputs? What are the potential financial benefits and costs associated with transitioning a fleet to CNG or BEB based on various input scenarios?
Hydrogen
H2A: Hydrogen Analysis Production Models	The Hydrogen Analysis (H2A) hydrogen production models and case studies provide transparent reporting of process design assumptions and a consistent cost analysis methodology for hydrogen production at central and distributed (forecourt/filling-station) facilities.	What are the estimated hydrogen production costs based on different capital and operating expenses, fuel types, and financial parameters? How do variations in input parameters, such as financing type and plant life, impact the hydrogen selling price and internal rate of return? What are the techno-economic implications of various hydrogen production technologies based on case studies and default values?
H2FAST: Hydrogen Financial Analysis Scenario Tool	H2FAST provides a quick and convenient in-depth financial analysis for hydrogen and non-hydrogen systems and services.	How do different operating and financing parameters impact the financial performance of hydrogen and non-hydrogen systems, such as annual income, cash flow, and balance sheets? What are the effects of varying capital structure, taxation, and incentives on the overall financial viability and risk profile of hydrogen projects? How do uncertainties in key parameters influence financial outcomes and risk assessments for different hydrogen-related systems?
H2FillS: Hydrogen Filling Simulation Too	The Hydrogen Filling Simulation (H2FillS) software is a thermodynamic model designed to track and report on the transient change in hydrogen temperature, pressure, and mass flow when filling a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).	How do different fueling conditions affect the temperature, pressure, and mass flow of hydrogen during the filling process for FCEVs? What are the impacts of various design and operational parameters on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen fueling stations and FCEV systems? How can improvements in system design and operation reduce capital or operational costs for hydrogen fueling stations and on-board FCEVs?

Energy Storage

Tool	Description	Key Questions
B2U: Battery Second-Use Repurposing Cost Calculator	For plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), use NREL's battery second-use (B2U) calculator to explore the effects of different repurposing strategies and assumptions on economics.	What are the economic impacts of different repurposing strategies for plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) batteries, both in automotive applications and in secondary markets? How do various assumptions about battery life, performance, and repurposing costs affect the overall value and viability of second-use battery strategies? What are the potential cost savings or financial benefits associated with repurposing PEV batteries for secondary uses compared to their primary automotive applications?
Battery Failure Databank	The Battery Failure Databank features data collected from hundreds of abuse tests conducted on commercial lithium-ion batteries. Methods of abuse include nail penetration, thermal abuse, and internal short-circuiting.	How do different lithium-ion battery cell models and abuse methods (e.g., nail penetration, thermal abuse) affect heat output and mass ejection during thermal runaway events? What variations in thermal runaway characteristics can be observed across different cell formats and manufacturers, and how do these variations influence safety and performance? How can the data from high-speed X-ray radiography and calorimetry be used to improve the design and safety of lithium-ion batteries by understanding internal failures and thermal responses?
Battery Microstructures Library	Use this library of three-dimensional lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery electrode microstructures for microstructure characterization and microstructure modeling.	How do different electrode microstructures, such as those from NMC cathodes and graphite anodes, affect the electrochemical performance and degradation of lithium-ion batteries? What impact do calendered versus uncalendered electrode samples and varying loadings have on the microstructural properties like porosity, particle diameter, and tortuosity? How can the data from segmented, three-dimensional electrode volumes be used to improve physics-based battery models and better predict battery performance and degradation?
BLAST: Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool	Pairing NREL's battery degradation modeling with electrical and thermal performance models, the Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool (BLAST) suite assesses battery lifespan and performance for behind-the-meter, vehicle, and stationary applications.	How do various factors like ambient temperature, state-of-charge histories, and electrical current levels affect the lifespan and performance of battery systems in different applications (e.g., stationary energy storage, electric vehicles)? What are the impacts of different battery chemistries, depth-of-discharge, and usage profiles on the lifetime and performance of battery energy storage systems, including second-life applications? How can the interplay between cell degradation, thermal management, and electrical performance be modeled to optimize battery lifespan and efficiency in real-world scenarios?
LIBRA: Lithium-Ion Battery Resource Assessment Model	LIBRA provides critical insight into lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery manufacturing, reuse, and recycling across the global supply chain under dynamic conditions.	How do technological advancements and market dynamics influence the global supply chain for lithium-ion batteries, including manufacturing, recycling, and resource availability? What are the economic, job creation, and environmental impacts of investing in domestic battery manufacturing and recycling industries? How can policy changes, battery chemistry shifts, and recycling practices be optimized to build a robust and resilient battery supply chain?
Lithium-Ion Battery Secondary Pore Network Design Optimization Analytical Diffusion Model	Use the Lithium-Ion Battery Secondary Pore Network (SPN) Design Optimization Analytical Diffusion Model to improve battery performance and enable fast charging.	How does incorporating a secondary pore network (SPN) affect the ionic diffusion in lithium-ion battery electrodes compared to traditional electrode designs? What are the key parameters to optimize when designing electrodes with SPN to balance improvements in through-plane diffusion with potential degradation in in-plane diffusion? How can the model's results guide the development of electrodes with enhanced performance characteristics, such as faster charging times and better overall efficiency?
MATBOX: Microstructure Analysis Toolbox	NREL developed the Microstructure Analysis Toolbox (MATBOX) to analyze electrode microstructures for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and other 3D heterogeneous materials.	How can different electrode microstructures, such as dual-layer or elongated particles, impact the performance and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries? What effects do varying microstructural parameters like particle size distribution and porosity have on the electrochemical behavior of battery electrodes? How can detailed mesh generation and stochastic design space analysis enhance the development of high-energy density, low-porosity electrodes and improve battery design and optimization?

Data Analytics

Tool	Description	Key Questions
Fleet DNA: Commercial Fleet Vehicle Operating Data	The Fleet DNA clearinghouse of commercial fleet vehicle operating data helps vehicle manufacturers and developers optimize vehicle designs and helps fleet managers choose advanced technologies for their fleets.	How can data on daily driving patterns, such as average speed, acceleration, and number of stops, inform the design and optimization of commercial fleet vehicles? What insights can be gained from analyzing kinetic intensity and driving speed distributions for different vehicle types to improve fleet management and technology adoption? How can the analysis of daily operating distance, maximum speed, and total number of stops contribute to more efficient fleet operations and maintenance strategies?
Fuel Properties Database	The Fuel Properties Database contains a compilation of properties for various blend stock candidates, including pure compounds.	How can the properties of various fuel blend stock candidates and pure compounds inform the selection and optimization of fuels for specific applications? What role do the physical and chemical characteristics of different fuel blends play in their performance and compatibility with existing infrastructure? How can understanding the properties of different fuels aid in developing more efficient and sustainable fuel formulations?
NFCTEC: National Fuel Cell Technology Evaluation Center	The NFCTEC is designed for secure management, storage, and processing of proprietary data from industry. Access to the off-network NFCTEC is limited to NREL's Technology Validation Team, which analyzes detailed data and reports on fuel cell technology status, progress, and technical challenges.	How does the secure management and analysis of proprietary fuel cell data contribute to understanding and advancing hydrogen fuel cell technologies? What insights can be gained from detailed data products (DDPs) and composite data products (CDPs) in assessing the performance, status, and progress of fuel cell technologies? How can partnerships with organizations such as vehicle manufacturers, transit agencies, and hydrogen suppliers enhance the development and deployment of fuel cell systems?

Data Searches

Tool	Description	Key Questions
Alternative Fuels Data Center AFDC)	The AFDC provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decision makers find ways to reach their energy and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures.	How can alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and fuel-saving strategies help fleets and policymakers meet their energy, environmental, and economic goals? What impact does the transportation sector’s energy consumption and petroleum use have on national energy policies and market dynamics? How do shifts in petroleum export and import patterns influence the development and adoption of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies?
Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search	Find and compare alternative fuel vehicles, engines, and hybrid/conversion systems.	How can the comparison of alternative fuel vehicles, engines, and hybrid/conversion systems help fleets meet federal or state vehicle-acquisition requirements? What are the key differences between various vehicle types, such as sedans, pickups, and transit buses, in terms of their suitability for different fuel types and operational needs? How do alternative fuel and advanced vehicle options influence the selection and acquisition strategies for fleets across different sectors?
Fuel Properties Comparison	Create a custom chart comparing fuel properties and characteristics for multiple fuels.	How can comparing the properties of different fuels help in selecting the most suitable option for a specific application or vehicle type? What are the key factors to consider when analyzing the energy content, physical state, and maintenance issues of various fuels? How do the energy security impacts of different fuels influence their adoption and use in the transportation sector?