Evolutionary dynamics of promoting electric vehicle-charging infrastructure based on public–private partnership cooperation

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2022-01, Vol.239, p.122281, Article 122281
• Main Authors: Huang, Xingjun, Lin, Yun, Lim, Ming K., Zhou, Fuli, Ding, Rui, Zhang, Zusheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Charging infrastructure; China; Economic models; Electric vehicle charging; Electric vehicles; Estate agencies; Evolutionary dynamics; Feasibility studies; Game theory; Incentive mechanisms; Infrastructure; Neighborhoods; Public private partnerships; Public–private partnership cooperation; Real estate; Residential areas; Subsidies
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122281

Low profit margins have become a significant barrier to investment in and the operation of electric vehicle-charging infrastructure, leading to an urgent need for new business models. Notwithstanding, nonmandatory policies and unclear responsibilities create a social dilemma in which it is difficult to promote charging facilities in urban residential areas. This study examines the feasibility of overcoming this dilemma by examining possible incentive mechanisms involving government, charging infrastructure operators, real estate agencies, and electric vehicle users. Leveraging evolutionary game theory, this study designs a theoretical model based on strategic interactions among different agents in promoting charging facilities in urban residential areas. Our results indicate that (1) the optimal scenario in one in which all participants work closely together to popularize charging facilities, and this scenario has theoretical possibilities in the real world; (2) government subsidies are necessary but not sufficient for promoting charging facilities in urban residential areas; (3) electric vehicle user participation in promotion is critical; and (4) the operation model in this study is more economically efficient than prevalent industrial operation models, and the role of real estate agencies cannot be ignored. •An innovative EVCI–PPP model is proposed to promote urban residential charging facilities.•Case studies show that REAs have a new role in urban charging rollout and should not be overlooked.•The model captures REA investment behavior and performs better than existing operating models.•Government subsidies are necessary but insufficient, and EV user participation is critical.