A systematic review of geographic information systems based methods and criteria used for electric vehicle charging station site selection

Many studies have incorporated particular models with various methods and algorithms to resolve the site selection problem for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). This paper systematically reviews research that evaluates geographic information systems (GIS) based EVCS location techniques and the variables used for decision making. We classify and characterize those techniques and variables to determine important linkages within the literature. A variety of databases were referenced to extract research published from 2010 to March 2023 pertinent to this specific location optimization problem, and 74 papers were selected after thorough evaluation. The models used in each paper were examined along with the methods for selecting variables and ranking alternate locations. Site selection for EVCS requires a multi-criteria decision making approach to meet the sustainability, efficiency, and performance goals of communities adopting electric vehicle mobility. Our results indicate that map algebra and data overlay methods have been used more frequently with GIS-based analysis than other techniques, while geographic and demographic variables are commonly the most significant site selection characteristics. The reviewed methods have most often been applied to urban locations; however, the transfer of these techniques to a rural EVCS site selection problem has been rarely explored in the current literature. This research assessment contributes relevant guidance for the application of methodologies useful in policymaking and provides recommendations for future research based on these findings.

Automated summary

This paper systematically reviews research on geographic information systems (GIS)-based techniques for electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) site selection. After evaluating research published from 2010 to March 2023, 74 papers were selected. The results indicate that map algebra and data overlay methods are commonly used in GIS-based analysis, and geographic and demographic variables are important for site selection. The current literature lacks exploration of transferring these techniques to rural EVCS site selection, thus this research assessment provides relevant guidance for policymaking and future research recommendations.