Spatial Analysis of EV Charging Demand for Intercity Bus Transport in Thailand

Thailand is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), with total emissions reaching approximately 385,941.14 ktCO2eq in 2022. Of this, 77,021.31 ktCO2eq, or 30.29% of emissions from the energy sector, originated from the transportation sector. The Thai government has prioritized mitigation efforts by promoting Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), particularly the transition to Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) in public transportation. While electrification initiatives are underway, the lack of a spatially guided approach to infrastructure placement along intercity bus corridors remains a critical gap. This study aims to estimate the spatial charging demand of Thailand's intercity bus network and identify potential infrastructure locations to support the adoption of Battery Electric Buses (BEBs). Potential charging points were determined based on the typical operational range of BEBs and interpolated along intercity bus routes. These points were then used to evaluate candidate infrastructure locations through a Charging Demand Score (CDS), an indicator that quantifies the relative demand for charging infrastructure at the grid-cell level across the study area. The results highlight several provinces with notably high charging demand, particularly along major intercity corridors in the North, Northeast, and South. These findings provide a valuable foundation for designing data-driven policies to support the electrification of Thailand's public transportation system.