An approach for selecting optimal locations for electric vehicle solar charging stations

Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as a solution to reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. A major obstacle to wider adoption is the insufficient amount of charging stations. Furthermore, supplying charging stations with renewable energy is still in its infancy. The selection of optimal locations for charging stations is important to best serve the users and maximise the possibilities of renewable energy use. Given this background, this study developed an approach for Solar-supplied Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) location selection by combining EVCS and solar farm site selection studies using Geographical Information System (GIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The study determined the most important criteria for site selection based on previous solar and EVCS site selection studies and expert opinions. The 10 most important criteria according to the survey results were: availability of power, solar energy potential, solar panel installation cost, number of EVs, operation and management costs, land cost, distance from roads/highways, distance from current EVCSs, industrial capability of installation and distance to high population density centres. The importance weights of these criteria were assigned using AHP method. The findings are expected to benefit urban planners, decision-makers, and researchers designing solar-supplied EV charging infrastructure.