Utilizing AI for Effective Electric Vehicle Charging Network Planning

As the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) grows globally, the demand for EV charging infrastructure is rapidly increasing. This surge has led to a competitive market for optimal charging locations. Traditional methods for identifying and evaluating potential charging sites are laborious and time-consuming, compounded by the high capital costs and long-term investments required, posing risks of misallocating resources and inefficient charger placement.

Strand investigates how AI can revolutionize EV network planning, making the process more efficient and optimizing investments.

Challenges in Traditional Site Selection

Currently, site identification and qualification rely heavily on manual efforts. Site evaluation can take a week and cost between €20,000 and €50,000, depending on various factors. This complexity often leads to inaccuracies.

AI-Driven Solutions for EV Charging Networks

Strand has developed an AI-powered proof of concept that drastically reduces site evaluation time. This live application allows users to design networks over a map area, generating data layers including points of interest, existing chargers, and potential new charger sites. Users can choose from different solvers focusing on budget, charger density, population density, and points of interest coverage.

Advantages of AI in EV Network Planning

• Customization: Tailors planning based on stakeholder preferences, like proximity to family-friendly areas or long-distance travel routes.
• Automation: Streamlines steps such as CAD drawing generation for planning permissions, reducing costs and time.
• Profitability Assessment: Offers detailed site profitability evaluations, aiding swift decision-making.
• Scalability: Efficiently expands planning to assess millions of potential sites globally as demand increases.
• Real-time Updates: Adapts to market trends and data changes, aiding informed decision-making.
• Sustainable Growth: Promotes sustainable network expansion by considering traffic patterns and existing network integration.

Embrace AI for EV Charging Network Expansion

With the rapid transition to electric mobility, efficient and sustainable EV charging networks are essential. Traditional planning methods are outdated – slow and costly. AI transforms this process into an automated, efficient, and data-driven approach, aligning with sustainable growth and improved user experience. Strand is poised to assist clients in leveraging AI for strategic EV charging network planning in the electric vehicle era.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions presented in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of Strand.