Charging point operators (CPOs) should understand that choosing a location is a crucial role in the success of public EV charging infrastructure. Unlike private charging solutions that serve a guaranteed user base like a company's fleet, public charging points face the challenge of inconsistent utilization. Missteps in placement can lead to underutilized charging depots, as seen in some hubs in the EV-forward UK. Achieving high utilization is no easy feat.
The Importance of Location
The success of any EV charging station depends on its ability to meet existing and future demand. This requires prior assessment of the local environment, as public charging usage varies. The International Energy Agency reported that there is a heavier reliance on public charging in dense cities, where most live in multi-unit dwellings and home charging is more limited.
Optimization Models as a Decision-Making Tool
CPOs may start with intuition and basic observation, but the complexity of an ever-changing urban environment needs more sophisticated tools to identify the spot. Researchers are developing optimization models for more effective deployments.
These models, often formulated as mathematical programs such as Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), take various factors into account. More recent proposals consider demand priority and existing gas station locations.
Each optimization approach has its strengths and limitations:
MILP can find optimal solutions for small to medium-sized problems, but becomes computationally expensive for large-scale scenarios with non-linear relationships
PSO is suited for problems where a reasonably accurate yet quick solution is more important than exactness, and it is more adaptable to data uncertainty.
In real-world applications, MILP is effective for precise planning in urban areas. Meanwhile, PSO is suitable for modeling changes in developing suburban or rural areas, where demand and grid capacity can fluctuate significantly (see Sarda et al. 's literature review for details).
Key Metrics for Strategic Placement
Aside from optimization models, certain metrics can be the hallmark of the prime public charging location. CPOs need baseline metrics to base their conclusion, asking a fundamental question: "How many of our potential customers, employees, or visitors drive EVs in this specific area?" Conducting surveys, consulting external data sources, and partnering with EV charging solution providers for expert insights are viable steps.
The key lies in adjacency to venues where people stay for an hour or more, allowing EV charging opportunities: parking lots, retail shopping centers, entertainment venues, dine-in restaurants, healthcare facilities, and hospitality venues. The presence of these nearby venues directly correlates with higher utilization rates for charging stations, contributing to a better return on investment.
Optimizing Charging within the Location
Even with the perfect location, the optimization doesn't stop there. How the charging power is distributed within the station is equally critical for efficiency and user experience. Consider the viveEV 600kW Tron DC Fast Charger, which supports up to four dispensers with its 600kW output power cabinet, AI-optimized dynamic power sharing that distributes power based on real-time charging demand, patterns, and usage.
Strategizing the physical location and the power distribution within the charging points means reaching the maximum potential of the charging points, satisfying customers. This will ensure the long-term profitability of their public charging initiatives.
At viveEV, we support EV charging infrastructure with specially engineered charging stations, integrated programs, and dedicated after-sales service. Partner with us to make the best decisions for the charging needs of your area at viveEV.com.