A bi-level approach for the optimal planning of charging stations and electric vehicles traffic assignment

The optimal planning and sizing of charging stations (CSs) over a territory is an interdisciplinary issue that should consider the transportation and electrical networks, and the characteristics of CSs. A new bi-level approach is here proposed that takes into account both transportation and energy demands. At the higher level, the optimal locations, sizes, and unit prices must be found for new CSs in a territory with existing CSs. The decision model includes, as constraints, the behavior of EVs (Electric Vehicles) at the lower level, i.e. the User Equilibrium traffic assignment conditions derived for the case of EVs. The developed model has been applied to a case study in the Genoa Municipality.