Abstract:

This paper explores a state-wide network of 68 public charging stations' data representing 58,273 charging events to determine users' charging patterns. The methodological approach applied k-means clustering with Minkowski embedded distances to distinguish unique charging subgroups from 608 frequent users. The results indicate four user types: convenient (n = 319, 53%), gradual (n = 147, 24%), anxious (n = 104, 17%), and urgent (n = 38, 6%). Quantifying these users’ unique patterns supports the human variability knowledge required for more comprehensive and holistic models of electric vehicle charging station placement. Overall, these findings back up the user-centered design of public charging infrastructure, which helps to lower the long-term adoption barrier for electric vehicles and speed up the switch to a low-carbon, sustainable transportation system.