Characterization of Load Centers for Electric Vehicles Based on Simulation of Urban Vehicular Traffic Using Geo-Referenced Environments

Abstract

The current desire for people to reduce the environmental impact of their current lifestyle, as well as the variation in the prices of fossil fuels, has materialized in a rising trend for electric vehicles (EV). These vehicles are increasingly making inroads in the automotive market and positively contributing to reducing environmental pollution by greenhouse gas emissions; therefore, they improve energy efficiency. For the success of this innovation, it is necessary to correctly identify the effective places where the charging centers for electric vehicles (CCEV) will be placed, which will contribute significantly to its development, allowing us to guarantee the autonomy of electric vehicles with a charging supply. Thus, the present work proposes a vehicle traffic simulation process using the “SUMO” simulator interface. The study’s objective is to locate sites for electric vehicle charging centers or stations, taking as the primary variable the vehicular traffic that has a strong relationship with this type of research. Consequently, the study evaluates the existing resources in geo-referenced scenarios and has analyzed the vehicular flow considering the distances of the routes. As follows, the simulation becomes a tool to recommend the location and quantity of CCEV, guaranteeing users a nearby place where they can charge their vehicle and thus achieve adequate autonomy.