As the US transportation sector shifts to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), a public network of reliable DC fast chargers has become increasingly essential to foster driver confidence in BEVs. This research will study the challenges of installation and operation of a reliable network of public DC fast charging stations. While existing studies show costs ranging from $20,000 - $150,000, the researchers find costs range anywhere between $122,000 and $440,000. Furthermore, this research will include a detailed methodology to measure station reliability based on charging infrastructure data. By assigning charging events to unique charging visits, the researchers can capture a holistic overview of the driver’s charging experience. The researchers' analysis of two different charging networks shows that users of these networks have an average chance of 83% and 77% of successful outcomes after one or more tries at a charging station. The researchers also find significant variation in station performance within the same network (i.e., 79% - 87% and 13% - 95% respectively). Next, the researchers will explore the level of reliability that is desirable in the context of drivers who are making long distance trips. A charging station located in a remote area with few options should prioritize achieving a higher reliability to ensure drivers can complete their trips. The researchers aim to study the spatial distribution of the charging network and model it’s resilience to meet different demand scenarios at different reliability metrics. Based on this model, the research will include mitigation strategies for CPOs and policymakers to employ to improve the reliability of the whole network.
