1. Analysis of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations along US I-40
Colby Butcher1, Jack Baldwin2, Alexandra Boggs3, Kay Boakye3, Dr. Shashi Nambisan3
Christian Academy of Knoxville1 L&N Stem Academy2
The University of Tennessee- Knoxville3
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Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) are just now starting to become more popular. These vehicles aim to cut down on emissions while providing a practical vehicle with high cost efficiency. The goal of this study is to examine the current network of EVs and charging stations and provide suggestions to aid further development if it is seen necessary. We are looking at a specific segment of interstate to narrow our research and for simplification.
Background
Full electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly, but are sometimes limited to range.
Hybrids are generally more expensive, but offer more features and are more luxurious. Tesla is an exception.
Purchasing EVs can qualify for tax credit
Multiple types of charging stations exist. Faster chargers generally cost more.
Around 1% of registered cars are EV’s*
There is a high number of chargers in the US, but they are often inconvenient to interstate travel.
Figure 1: Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Figure 2: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
*mostly older, less efficient hybrids
Methodology
Selected a route/corridor to study
Imported US map, route, and charging stations into ArcMap
Intersect stations and I-40
10 mile proxy distance from I-40
Select and extract by attribute
Filter out stations not usable by public
Filter public stations with qualifications
Filter charger type
Visualize EV range and charger distance
Determine ideal charger locations and number/type of chargers
Figure 3: I-40W from Knoxville to Barstow
Results
The current charging station infrastructure lacks the ability to support much long distance interstate travel.
Tesla owners have the largest advantage on long trips, followed by Nissan, and then other manufactures.
I-40 has less electric vehicle infrastructure in the western US.
Conclusion
Installing chargers at rest stops will make I-40 much more EV friendly for long distance travelers. The EV industry is still in its beginning phases, but the demand should increase with developing technologies and growing infrastructure.
The local, state and federal government could provide some funding as well as automotive manufacturers. Our I-40 plan adds up to around $2,000,000 paying full price for chargers and installation.
There are other limiting aspects when it comes to EVs such as battery size, battery performance, and public acceptance.
Sources
Charging station data is from DOE’s website
Map elements from ArcGIS online 1. 2.
3. ; 4.
This work was supported primarily by the ERC Program
of the National Science Foundation and DOE under NSF Award Number EEC