Regional Infrastructure Planning Support Methodology for Public and Private Electrified Transport: A Mountain Case Study

The European Union has seen a strong growth of electric passenger vehicles over the last decade. The steady increase in the number of electric vehicles requires a thorough examination of the current infrastructure and their future development, which are critical to the continuous market growth of this technology. The underdeveloped charging infrastructure is identified as one of the main barriers, next to the purchase price of electric vehicles. Thus, the infrastructure (supply side) and the vehicles (demand side) must coevolve and consider not only the quantitative balance between EVs and charging stations but the interlinkages with social, technical, and economic criteria for the overall system development. In this context, the methods presented in this paper address regional specificities when developing an integrated network of charging infrastructure for private and public passengers transport in an alpine region. The results of the application of the methodology to a mountainous area present the potential for replicability and highlight the importance of considering regional characteristics and of stakeholder involvement.

Automated summary

The European Union has experienced significant growth in the electric passenger vehicle market over the past decade. The increase in the number of electric vehicles necessitates a thorough examination of the current infrastructure and future development, which are crucial for the continued market growth of this technology. The lack of charging infrastructure, along with the high purchase price of electric vehicles, is identified as one of the main barriers. Therefore, the infrastructure and vehicles must evolve together, considering not only the quantitative balance between EVs and charging stations but also the interlinkages with social, technical, and economic criteria for overall system development.