Optimal location of electric vehicle charging stations using proximity diagrams

Abstract

The concern over the planet environmental crisis is propelling administrations to promote anti-pollution regulations progressively restricting the use of fossil fuels. In this context, the integration of electric vehicles is increasingly being explored to reduce traffic emissions. To facilitate the transition from conventional vehicles to electrical ones, establishment of a robust charging infrastructure is essential. This article presents a numerical proposal for identifying potential optimal locations of additional electrical charging stations building upon the current infrastructure. For this purpose, Voronoi diagrams, constructed using the existing charging stations as point generators of the structure, will be stated as the primary framework. The extracted proximity data, delimited by geographical, legislative or user behavior-related factors, facilitates the identification of locations where companies in the sector are inclined to invest. This procedure holds significant relevance for industry in the sector seeking strategic investment locations that minimize competition while ensuring a high level of convenience for long-distance electrical vehicles users. The significance of this modelling lies in its simplicity and applicability to any region worldwide, making it a versatile tool for similar studies.