Determining the optimal electric vehicle DC-charging infrastructure for Western Australia. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bräunl, Thomas; Harries, David; McHenry, Mark; Wager, Guido
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 84(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Electric vehicles -- Charging infrastructure -- DC charging -- Australia; Transportation -- Research -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 354.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2020.102250
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1361-9209

Abstract

Highlights: Electric vehicle (EV) adoption and range capability is rapidly accelerating. Public EV fast charging infrastructure technology is also evolving rapidly. There is both a high risk and cost of misallocating fast charging infrastructure. Determining optimal EV charging infrastructure involves many complex variables. We provide an example of planning EV charging infrastructure in Western Australia. Abstract: Take-up rates of electric vehicles (EV) are increasing and are predicted to accelerate rapidly. Public EV charging networks will be required to support future EV fleets. If unplanned, public charging networks are highly likely to be suboptimal. Planners need to understand and plan for future EV charging infrastructure requirements, particularly public DC fast charging networks, as both the upfront investment costs and the consequences of misallocation are high. However, the task of determining the optimal locations and allocations (types and numbers) of public EV charging infrastructure is complicated as it requires knowledge of many variables. These include EV driver behaviors, driving patterns, predicting evolutionary changes in EV and EV charging technologies, future EV take-up rates, and what investment may or may not occur in the absence of government funding support.