Spatial Proximity to Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: A Case Study of Utah

Abstract: The deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) is crucial for supporting the growing consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs). This study focuses on Utah, examining the spatial distribution of proximity to public EVCI across geographies, and the resulting differences in accessibility to EVCI for various socio-economic and demographic groups. Using charging station locations, transportation networks, and US Census data, we employ an origin-destination cost analysis with GIS software to measure accessibility, considering both the number and type of available charging stations. Our findings reveal some spatial differences in access to EVCI, with higher availability observed in central areas and along major roads. Contrary to previous research, the analysis shows that neighborhoods in Utah with more lower-income populations, more renters, and more residents in attached or multifamily housing units surprisingly enjoy better proximity to public EV chargers. When considering charging levels, the presence of DC fast chargers significantly enhances access scores, particularly in central areas. This study highlights the need to analyze the spatial distribution of EVCI to ensure all Utahns benefit from these types of investments. The findings also underscore the importance of localized studies in guiding infrastructure planning, as broader trends may not apply uniformly across different regions..