A multi-state model for the service quality evaluation of an electric vehicle charging network via universal generating function

With the large-scale proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), a comprehensive evaluation of service quality for EV charging networks is crucial to develop effective policies that address the needs and concerns of EV users and operators. This paper investigates the service quality evaluation (SQE) problem for EV charging networks consisting of multiple public EV charging stations (EVCSs). The charging service of each EVCS is formalized from the standpoint of both queuing management and power grid operation considering demand interaction and epistemic uncertainty, where the mean waiting time in the queue and loss of load probability (LoLP) are utilized as the evaluation metrics. A universal generating function (UGF)-based technique is employed to derive the service quality of the overall charging network based on the performance level of each EVCS from a multi-state perspective. A case study is conducted to assess the validity and feasibility of the developed model and explore the relationship between parameter selection and policymaking for the planning and operation of the charging network. The proposed method will be helpful for policymakers in formulating appropriate policies to enhance service quality, thereby further promoting the mass adoption of EVs and accelerating the transportation electrification process.