The Energy Seminar: "Accelerating the Transition to Electric Vehicles: EV Charging Solutions for Rideshare," Karim Farhat & Nick DiPastena

Abstract: Abstract: Transportation accounts for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US today. In the State of California, this figure is closer to 38%, with over 140 million metric tons of GHG emissions in 2020 alone. Electrifying the transportation sector can reduce more than 75% of its GHG emissions nationwide. Recognizing this significant opportunity electric vehicles provide, California is requiring all new cars sold in 2035 and beyond to be zero-emission vehicles. The state has also passed legislation mandating that 90% of miles driven by rideshare fleets be fully electric by 2030. EVCS, one of the fastest growing public EV charging networks on the West Coast, aims to accelerate EV adoption by expanding access to fast, affordable, reliable, and conveniently located charging stations that are powered by 100% renewable energy. Lyft is one of the largest transportation networks in North America, with the goal to achieve 100% electric vehicles across their platform by the end of 2030. Please join us for a presentation and moderated conversation about insights on rideshare electrification efforts, including innovative partnerships among companies to accelerate the adoption of EVs in California and beyond.

Bios:

Dr. Karim Farhat is a nationally distinguished e-mobility business leader and under-forty utility and energy innovator, with 16 years of experience focusing on transportation electrification, smart EV charging, and distributed energy resources. Dr. Farhat serves as Chief Commercial Officer at EV Charging Solutions (EVCS), one of the largest and fastest growing public EV charging companies on the US West Coast. He oversees the consumer business, strategic partnerships, policy, and marketing. Before joining EVCS, Karim was the Director of Mobility Solutions at ENGIE Impact, were he led the work on EV charging solutions and offerings to corporations, cities, and public organizations, managing a global team of experts throughout the Americas. Before joining ENGIE, he led efforts on Vehicle Grid Integration at Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E), one of the largest utilities in the United States. Karim holds a PhD in Management Science and Engineering and a Master’s in Energy Resources Engineering from Stanford University, and a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University. He was a Fellow at the Stanford Center for Energy Policy and Finance, and he led several projects and initiatives at SunEdison and Royal Dutch Shell.
 

Nicholas DiPastena is a San Francisco-based business leader with over 10 years of experience building companies with a focus on the gig economy, garment manufacturing, and coffee. Nick currently leads the Electrification, Driver, and Sustainability partnerships teams at Lyft. His scope includes Lyft’s efforts to electrify 100% of its fleet by 2030. Before joining Lyft, Nick worked at Checkr, an API company for background checks. He supported their growth from 30 to 1500 employees. Nick is the founder of two companies, Blue House Coffee and Post Jeans. Blue House is a sustainability-focused coffee roasting company. They strive for a zero-carbon footprint with a solar-powered roasting facility, electric fleet, and farm in Costa Rica, specializing in biodynamic farming practices. Post is a clothing company whose design and manufacturing principles are rooted in the celebrated tradition of San Francisco workwear and durables, the birthplace of blue jeans. Nick holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Arizona State University.