An analytical framework for assessing equitable access to public electric vehicle chargers

Abstract

Inequitable distribution of public electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities may result in disparities in charging accessibility, potentially impeding the uptake of EVs. In response, this paper proposes an analytical framework to assess the accessibility-based equity of public EV charging infrastructure systematically, using Hong Kong (HK) as the study area. The results demonstrated severe spatial inequity of charging facilities in central, north, and southwest HK. Meanwhile, the Gini index of all public EV charger types for the total population was 0.751, and the indices for low-income, low-education level, and government-funded housing subgroups were 0.791, 0.809, and 0.893, respectively. These indicated considerable horizontal and vertical inequity from a statistical perspective. Furthermore, age, education level, family structure, and housing type were identified as significant socio-demographic characteristics correlated to the accessibility-based equity of public EV charging infrastructure in HK. These findings are expected to be useful for future policymaking and infrastructure planning.