Location-Allocation of Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers—Research and Practice

Abstract

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of academic research on location-allocation of electric vehicle fast chargers into the pattern of the actual fast-charger allocation in the United States. The work aims to highlight the gap between academic research and actual practice of charging-station placement and operation. It presents evidence that the node-serving approach is, in fact, applied in the actual location-allocation of fast charging stations. However, little evidence suggests that flow-capturing, which has been much more predominantly applied in research, is being applied in practice. The author argues that a large-scale location-allocation plan for public fast chargers should be formulated based on explicit consideration of stakeholders, the objective, practical constraints, and underlining assumptions.