Comprehensive Analyses of the Spatio-Temporal Variation of New-Energy Vehicle Charging Piles in China: A Complex Network Approach

Abstract

This study collects data on electric vehicle (EV) charging piles for various provinces in China and analyzes the development of the network of EV chargers from the perspective of a complex network. Features of the distribution of EV charging piles for the period from May 2016 to April 2019 and the spatio-temporal variations across provinces are thus analyzed. The study then transforms time-series data of the EV charging piles into a complex network by applying a visibility graph, uses several clustering methods to categorize different provinces, and predicts the future development of the network of EV charging piles in China. Additionally, the distribution of EV charging piles across time is analyzed for a combination of national policies and new-energy vehicles. The results of the study will guide provincial governments in creating policies that develop relevant industries progressively and promote the sustainable development of EVs and green-energy industry.