Optimizing EV Charging Infrastructure in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings for Sustainable Energy Management

Inadequate charging infrastructure is considered a major challenge in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), especially the absence of the optimal number of chargers in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) where several EVs need to share the same chargers. Therefore, this study proposes an optimization approach to determine the optimal number of chargers in MURBs, considering continuous and flexible charging options. First, the daily travel behavior of drivers is estimated using National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data. Then, based on the technical parameters of EVs, the daily energy consumption of EVs is estimated. Subsequently, a mathematical problem with a unified objective function and scenario-specific constraints is developed. Finally, an index is proposed to quantify the unserved energy in EVs. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the flexible method in reducing the required number of chargers while ensuring satisfactory service. This research contributes to sustainable energy management, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.