Toward an equitable transportation electrification plan: Measuring public electric vehicle charging station access disparities in Austin, Texas

Study area and public EVCSs in Austin, TX.

(A). Comparison of public EVCS access between simplified race groups by multi-family portion. (B). Comparison of public EVCS access between multiple race groups by multi-family portion.
Comparison of public EVCS access between income quartiles by multi-family portion.
(A). Simplified comparison of public EVCS access between race groups by distance to nearest public EVCS. (B). Comparison of public EVCS access between multiple race groups by distance to the nearest public EVCS.
Comparison of public EVCS access between income quartiles across distance to the nearest public EVCS.

Anselin Local Moran’s I results for the nearest distance to the public EVCS.

Estimated smoothness of statistically significant explanatory variables.

Abstract

This research examines disparities in access to public electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) in Austin, Texas, highlighting transportation equity concerns. Using threshold equity toolkits and regression analysis, the study explores how race and income impact public charger access. The findings show that most EVCSs are located in areas where the majority population is Non-Hispanic White. While access across income levels is more balanced, middle- and high-income groups have better proximity to EVCSs compared to lower-income groups. The regression analysis confirms that race and income significantly affect EVCS access, with deployment favoring higher-income areas with more electric vehicles. The study suggests that policymakers should address these disparities to ensure equitable transportation electrification, referencing the potential of federal initiatives like Justice40 to improve investment in disadvantaged communities.

Team

Junfeng Jiao, Seung Jun Choi, Chris Nguyen

Supporting information

S1 Table. Current incentive and rebate program offered by Austin Energy. (DOCX)

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