Optimal allocation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in cities and regions

A geospatial analysis of electric-vehicle charging infrastructure allocation within a city and a region, based on open source GIS tools, is described. A methodology was developed to provide optimal locations of electric vehicle infrastructure (charging stations) within a spatially extended region. Two different cases were identified: placement in a city network (urban road network) and in a regional or national network (rural roads and highways). For a city and a regional network, the methodology identifies high-potential areas for the installation of charging station. In contrast, for a highway network the methodology provides explicitly the suggested locations: the charging stations should preferably be placed in already built areas, gas stations or rest areas, to minimize additional investment costs. A pilot study was made for the city of Bolzano/Bozen (city road network) and the province of Alto Adige/Südtirol (rural and highway network). The municipality and the province gave positive feedback on the suggested locations.