Feasibility analysis of charging stations for electric vehicles. Case study route E35, Loja-Cuenca in Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract This paper analyzes a methodology to identify suitable charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) and locate them on the E35 Pan-American Highway, between the cities of Loja and Cuenca, in Ecuador, to promote the use of EVs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The study employs several selection criteria, such as government and international regulations, to determine the best type of charging station for the route. The literature review reveals that international standards shape the infrastructure of charging stations in Ecuador, and a fast-charging station with an-output power of 50 kW in mode 4, this concept refers to the arrangement in which the transformer is stationary at the charging point, and the connection is made exclusively on the vehicle’s charging side; furthermore, it involves the use of significantly high charging capacities. The station satisfies international standard connectors for charging most EVs in use in Ecuador. In addition, the methodology analyzes several factors related to the environment, economy, society, electricity, geography, and road quality to identify the most suitable locations for charging stations. The analysis concludes that only four of the fourteen locations analyzed meet the requirements for suitable areas. It also highlights that the three-phase electric grid shared by two electric companies (EERSSA and CENTROSUR) meets the quality standards. EERSSA only has a three-phase network in Carigán and Saraguro, which are the two cities with the highest population or energy use.