A multi-criteria decision method for performance evaluation of public charging service quality. (15th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Lihui; Zhao, Zhenli; Yang, Meng; Li, Songrui
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 195(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03-15
• Subjects: Public charging infrastructure -- Service quality -- Sustainable development -- TOPSIS model; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.116958
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Public electric vehicle charging infrastructure provides an essential support for sustainable electric transportation systems. However, the current development model for such infrastructure tends to emphasize quantity over quality and cannot meet the charging needs of electric vehicle users. Addressing this situation requires further guidance from governments, which should be based on performance evaluation systems. This study therefore developed a multi-criteria evaluation framework to assess the performance of public charging infrastructure in terms of planning rationality, operational efficiency, service capacity, charging safety, and sustainable development. After defining individual charging station attributes through numerical data and user/expert input, a modified Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model was used, with vague sets to standardize, weight, and process the data. The assessed stations were subsequently ranked. The model was applied to three public charging stations in Beijing, China to verify its effectiveness and robustness. The resulting rankings can facilitate regulatory assessment of these stations' performance and guide improvements in the quality of their charging services. The results further indicated that the sustainable development value of charging facilities is often undervalued, and relevant incentive strategies should thus be implemented by policymakers. Highlights: A new performance evaluation framework of public charging infrastructure (PCI) is developed. The quantity of public charging infrastructure is overemphasized. Service capacity and operational efficiency are two critical dimensions for performance evaluation. The sustainable development ability is considered. The fast-charge pile is the trend of future construction in PCI sector.