Where to plug in? Assessing the users’ preferences for EV charging location

Abstract

This study investigates individuals’ electric vehicle (EV) charging location preferences in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Data come from the British Columbia Activity Time Use Survey (BC ATUS) conducted in 2023, which collected individuals’ ranked preferences for charging their EVs in the following location alternatives: home, work, grocery stores, shopping malls, en-route, gas stations, and other locations. A random parameter rank-ordered logit (RPROL) model is employed to capture the relative preferences for different charging locations. The results reveal that individuals’ socio-demographics, travel attributes, built-environment characteristics, and accessibility measures significantly influence EV charging location preferences. For example, higher-income individuals show higher preferences for charging at home and workplace. Residents of detached houses prefer home and workplace charging over grocery stores and shopping malls. Apartment dwellers show higher preferences for charging their vehicles in grocery stores, shopping malls, gas stations, and other locations. Additionally, individuals traveling longer distances daily are likely to have higher preferences for charging their EVs in shopping malls, en-route, and gas stations. The proximity of charging stations and land use mix also play a critical role in influencing charging location preferences. A higher number of charging stations near home is found to reduce the preferences for home charging. On the other hand, a higher land use mix around workplaces, indicating the availability of diverse amenities, reduces the preferences for workplace charging. Providing community-based charging facilities might be able to accommodate the EV charging needs of these individuals. Nevertheless, the findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and planners regarding user preferences for charging, which will help in strategic investments, planning, and EV charging infrastructure development.