A Hybrid GIS–MCDM Approach to Optimal EV Charging Station Siting for Urban Planning and Decarbonization

The increasing global emphasis on sustainable transportation drives the need for strong electric vehicle (EV) charging networks. While national plans set high targets for EV adoption, translating these into practical infrastructure placement poses a significant hurdle. This study tackles this by creating detailed maps to show suitable locations for EV charging stations (EVCS) across the Attica region of Greece. Our main approach combines Geographic Information System (GIS) with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM), specifically using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). After reviewing existing research to find important location factors, we adjusted these to fit the unique urban and social features of metropolitan Athens. We established four main criteria, accessibility, social, energy, and environmental, which were then divided into nine sub-criteria for our analysis. We developed four different models, each applying a unique weighting to these criteria (basic, energy-focused, environmental, and social) to see how various planning goals affect spatial outcomes. These models generated graded suitability maps, highlighting areas with high potential for new infrastructure. Central Athens consistently showed the highest suitability, which matches current research and confirms our method’s reliability. This work provides a useful, repeatable framework for local governments to strategically deploy EVCS, supporting urban planning and helping meet national goals for decarbonization and air quality.