A United Framework for Planning Electric Vehicle Charging Accessibility

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive optimization framework for strategically placing electric vehicle charging stations in urban areas, balancing efficiency and accessibility to promote sustainable transportation.

Contribution

It introduces an integrated model combining traffic simulation, energy use, and equity measures for EV infrastructure planning in dense cities.

Findings

15-20% reduction in travel time variability

Improved spatial accessibility of charging stations

Scalable methodology for urban EV infrastructure planning

Abstract

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for establishing sustainable and low-emission urban transportation systems. However, the success of this transition depends on the strategic placement of the charging infrastructure. This paper addresses the challenge of optimizing charging station locations in dense urban environments while balancing efficiency with spatial accessibility. We propose an optimization framework that integrates traffic simulation, energy consumption modeling, and a mobility equity measure to evaluate the social reach of each potential charging station. Using New York City as a case study, we demonstrate consistent improvements in accessibility (15-20% reduction in travel time variability). Our results provide a scalable methodology for incorporating equity considerations into EV infrastructure planning, although economic factors and grid integration remain important areas for future development.