Research on the Mechanism of Built Environment Affecting Commercial Vitality Mediated by EV Charging Stations: A Case Study of the Main Urban Area of Wuhan

The impact of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on sustainable urban transitions has become a crucial research topic due to the rapid growth of the new energy industry. However, the uneven distribution of EV charging infrastructure currently presents a major challenge to urban spatial equity and sustainable development. This study focuses on the central metropolitan area of Wuhan, positioning EV charging stations as a key mediating variable to explore how green infrastructure interacts with the built environment to drive sustainable economic vitality. Utilizing multi-source big data, the XGBoost-SHAP model, and Bootstrap mediation tests, this research identifies the non-linear thresholds and mediation pathways involved. The findings reveal that: (1) distinct built environment factors exhibit clear non-linear relationships with commercial vitality; (2) EV charging stations act as critical mediators that spatially reinforce or balance built environment variables, exhibiting pronounced spatial heterogeneity; and (3) EV charging stations show a significant partial mediation effect, with building density wielding the strongest direct influence. This study provides vital scientific support for low-carbon urban planning and sustainable infrastructure deployment by uncovering the threshold characteristics and mediating mechanisms necessary to harmonize commercial vitality with environmental and urban sustainability.