Charging Infrastructure Implementation for EVs – the Case of Berlin

Abstract

In order to launch and facilitate the uptake of e-mobility, many major cities are facing the challenge of supporting the development of a cost-efficient and demand-meeting system of charging points. To tackle this task, the city of Berlin performed an innovative procedure. The approach included different working steps, beginning with planning the locations, followed by working out definitions of technical and contractual requirements to the actual implementation of charging infrastructure and its integration into the overall traffic system. The individual components of this overall process are described in this paper.In the location concept, as a starting point of the overall concept, a methodology based on theoretical concern and stakeholder consultations was developed. Furthermore this approach uses empirical mobility data, traffic models, user groups and usage patterns to indicate a spatial distribution of charging points in the city that matches demand.Subsequently, the construction of these charging points was tendered out Europe-wide. Seven bidders and consortia were chosen to participate in a 15-month-long competitive dialogue process. In this structured process a role-based model for operating the public charging infrastructure was developed. All technical details of the contract were developed in this dialog process as well.Another important step towards successful implementation of an efficient charging infrastructure is the challenge of operator-independent user information. For this purpose real-time information about the location and occupation status of charging stations was integrated into Berlin's Traffic Information Center. In addition, an authentication platform was set up to ensure operator-independent and non-discriminatory access to the publicly funded charging stations.