Assessment of infrastructural accessibility of electric charging stations in the regions of northwestern Russia for tourism purposes

The study of charging infrastructure is an important step in the development of the electric vehicle industry and the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. One of the barriers to the use of electric vehicles in Russia is the poorly developed charging infrastructure, which limits the movement of independent tourists on electric transport. Although the electric charging station network in the RF is gradually expanding, access to charging infrastructure can be uneven and limited. In this regard, the aim of the study was to determine the infrastructural accessibility of electric vehicle charging stations for travelers, visiting tourist attractions. General scientific methods of research, cartographic and geoinformation modeling were used to implement the aim. The object of the study was the charging infrastructure of the regions of the Northwestern Federal District, characterized by the largest number of charging stations. The proposed assessment methodology revealed, that the existing network of charging stations does not provide complete transport links between regions, which may have a negative impact on the volume of tourist flow. The conducted geoinformation modeling allowed us to evaluate the spatial distribution of the electric filling stations network within regions and cities, to identify areas with a low level of infrastructure accessibility. Scientific novelty of the study is to develop a methodological approach to assessing the infrastructure accessibility of power stations based on the power reserve indicator, which in the absence of operational statistics allows us to analyze more objectively the spatial location of stations relative to tourist sites. Theoretical basis for the study were the works of Russian and foreign scientists on the use of electric vehicles and the effective placement of electric charging stations. The information base includes statistical data, materials of analytical services and the results of sociological surveys. The materials of the study can be useful for federal and regional authorities in designing the location of new charging stations, the development of tourist routes using electric vehicles.