UI Student Develops Model for Determining EV Charging Station Locations

A doctoral student from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Indonesia (FTUI), Bunga Kharissa Laras Kemala, has developed a planning model for public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU) that combines predictions of electric vehicle adoption with user behaviour. Unlike conventional approaches that typically only consider current conditions, this research accounts for the spatial and temporal development of EV adoption and public vehicle usage patterns. With this approach, charging infrastructure planning can be carried out more adaptively to future changes in demand. Through a dissertation titled ‘Development of a Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station Location Model: A Multi-Stage Approach Based on Adoption Prediction and User Behaviour Modelling’, she developed a four-stage framework to support SPKLU location planning. The framework combines predictions of battery electric vehicle (BEV) growth, analysis of user travel behaviour, simulation of charging demand, and long-term location optimisation. The prediction results are then integrated with user travel behaviour surveys and developed through agent-based simulation to estimate charging demand based on location, time, and travel characteristics. Subsequently, an optimisation model is used to determine SPKLU locations that provide optimal service coverage while minimising user access distance to charging facilities. Through her model, Bunga demonstrated that SPKLU planning cannot rely solely on current conditions. Growth predictions and user behaviour must be considered simultaneously to ensure infrastructure development is precisely targeted. The model can also map current SPKLU needs while projecting future infrastructure requirements, serving as a consideration for developing Indonesia’s electric vehicle ecosystem strategy. She explained that the research was motivated by the importance of ensuring SPKLU development keeps pace with the growth of electric vehicles. ‘The availability of charging infrastructure is one of the factors influencing public comfort and confidence in using electric vehicles. Through this model, I hope SPKLU planning can be more accurately targeted and become a reference for stakeholders in developing electric vehicle infrastructure,’ she said.