Examining the Distribution and Utilization of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Infrastructure in Small Towns and Rural Areas

Despite the rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, small towns and rural areas face significant challenges in adequate supply of charging facilities. These infrastructure gaps hinder the expansion of EV usage in these regions, where public charging stations are often sparse or nonexistent. This project aims to analyze the current distribution, utilization and availability of EV charging stations in rural and small-town settings, identifying infrastructure gaps compared to urban and suburban areas. A core objective is to examine the underlying factors contributing to this uneven distribution. To achieve this, the study will employ spatial and statistical analysis of quantitative data, alongside qualitative insights gathered through stakeholder interviews and public surveys. Beyond infrastructure, the project will explore how the availability of charging stations influences public perception of EV adoption and the willingness of residents to transition to electric vehicles. Based on these findings, we will develop targeted strategies to improve charging infrastructure, including policy recommendations, funding mechanisms, and community engagement initiatives. The goal is to support the expansion of EV infrastructure in small towns and rural areas, ensuring that these regions are integrated into the broader shift toward cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Terminated
• Funding: $100,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348321

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Florida A&M University, Tallahassee

  404 Foote/Hilyer
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32307
• Project Managers:

  Moses, Ren

• Performing Organizations:

  Cleveland State University

  Euclid Avenue at 24th Street
  Cleveland, Oh  United States  44115

  University of North Florida, Jacksonville

  4567 St. Johns Bluff Road South
  Jacksonville, FL  United States  32224-
• Principal Investigators:

  Kidando, Emmanuel

  Sando, Thobias

• Start Date: 20241001
• Expected Completion Date: 20251031
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric vehicle charging; Rural areas; Service stations; Small towns; Spatial analysis
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01945632
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Rural Safe, Efficient, and Advanced Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348321
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Feb 12 2025 5:20PM