Strategy for the Siting of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Parcel Delivery Service Providers

The development of urban logistics is closely related to the inhabitants of specific areas. People are changing their shopping habits, hence the growing share of online shopping. The consequence of the foregoing is increased demand for parcel delivery to customers' addresses as well as in-store and automated pick-up points. This has increased the number of couriers that provide parcel delivery services. To achieve sustainable development, there is a real need to convert conventional combustion engine fleets using greener solutions such as electric vehicles. However, introducing such vehicles on a large scale involves constraints such as the vehicle running range on a single charge, the price of a new fleet and of its maintenance, and the location of charging stations. This article focuses on the strategies for siting of charging stations intended to be used by the providers of parcel delivery services. Different strategies as well as a method for identifying optimal goal-specific locations have been proposed. The results show the limitations and challenges facing both the operators of parcel delivery services and local authorities that should also be involved in the development of charging points. Additionally, based on the method presented in the paper, operators can choose between different strategies depending on the particular requirements and local conditions.

Automated summary

The development of urban logistics is influenced by changes in people's shopping habits, such as the increasing popularity of online shopping. This has led to a higher demand for parcel delivery services, resulting in an increase in the number of couriers. To achieve sustainability, there is a need to replace conventional combustion engine fleets with greener alternatives like electric vehicles. However, there are challenges such as limited vehicle range, high costs, and the location of charging stations. This article focuses on strategies for siting charging stations for parcel delivery service providers and highlights the limitations and challenges they face.