Optimizing Electric Vehicle Charging Station Location on Highways: A Decision Model for Meeting Intercity Travel Demand

Electric vehicles have emerged as one of the top environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure, particularly determining the optimal locations for charging stations, is essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Most research on this subject focuses on popular areas such as city centers, shopping centers, and airports. With numerous charging stations available, these locations typically satisfy daily charging needs in routine life. However, the availability of charging stations for intercity travel, particularly on highways, remains insufficient. In this study, a decision model has been proposed to determine the optimal placement of electric vehicle charging stations along highways. To ensure a practical approach to the location of charging stations, the projected number of electric vehicles in Türkiye over the next few years is estimated by using a novel approach and the outcomes are used as crucial input in the facility location model. An optimization technique is employed to identify the ideal locations for charging stations on national highways to meet customer demand. The proposed model selects the most appropriate locations for charging stations and the required number of chargers to be installed, ensuring that electric vehicle drivers on highways do not encounter charging problems.