User-centric joint modeling of EV charging location preferences and charging needs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely regarded as having the potential to reduce emissions relative to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs); however, charging dissatisfaction may discourage adoption and continued use. Strategically locating charging stations at users’ preferred sites is therefore crucial. This study jointly analyzes EV users’ preferred locations for high-quality chargers and their charging behaviors by estimating exploded logit-ordered logit models using nationwide survey data from Canada. Results show that individuals under 34 require high-quality chargers near residences, while older users prefer highway charging. Full-time employees, high-income households, larger families, and those with budget constraints demand improved workplace charging. Households with both ICEVs and EVs, as well as households with garages, rely more on out-of-home charging, while smart-charging subscription holders express dissatisfaction with home charging. Respondents from highly urbanized and less EV-mature provinces seek improved facilities near their residences. These findings can guide policymakers in strategically expanding EV charging networks.