Integrated Model Approach STELLA Method of Site Identification for Charging Infrastructure

The spread of a charging infrastructure for battery electric vehicles is crucial for both coping with the increasing number of electric vehicles and reducing users’ impediments to adoption. Therefore, the selection of optimal (fast-)charging locations determines acceptance, utilization, and thus, the economic viability of a single site or the whole charging network. The methodology of the Integrated Model Approach STELLA1 for site identification for a charging infrastructure transmits proven methods of traffic modeling in a new context. It is already possible to make statements regarding the positioning of the charging infrastructure as well as the expectable quantitative needs of charging stations during the early stages of infrastructure planning processes to target a nationwide, ubiquitous and needs-based charging network, by combining different data (e. g. transport networks and traffic volumes, settlement structures, vehicle characteristics, power supply data and user requirements) and refining classic four-step traffic modelling. Due to the structure of the method, a flexible combination, extension or transferability to other contents is possible. Currently, this method has been developed for a planning area that covers the entire territory of the Federal Republic of Germany.