Geospatial Analysis for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Development in Mindanao

This study presents a geospatial methodology for the optimal siting of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) across the island of Mindanao, Philippines. With limited existing infrastructure and vast intercity distances, the research aims to support the country’s transition to sustainable mobility by identifying technically viable and strategically located EVCS sites. Using a sequential site refinement approach, the analysis integrates shortest-path routing, elevation profiling, grid accessibility, and solar irradiance potential to evaluate candidate locations along long-haul transport corridors. Eleven strategic city pairs were selected based on criteria including corridor length, economic significance, terrain challenges, and infrastructure gaps. Initial EVCS placements were determined using midpoint and anchor-site strategies on validated road networks. These placements were then refined through a stepwise GIS-based filtering process. Of the nine initial candidate sites, four were identified as anchor sites and five as midpoint sites. Elevation constraints did not eliminate any candidate locations, indicating full topographic feasibility. Solar resource analysis confirmed suitability for the majority of the proposed network. In addition, thirteen assumed urban electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) locations were incorporated into the network assessment. Elevation data from SRTM DEMs informed terrain-sensitive adjustments, while the lack of substation-level grid proximity data necessitated prioritizing solar-hybrid solutions. GHI values from the Global Solar Atlas confirmed the suitability of off-grid solar deployment in most proposed sites. The final EVCS network consists of midpoint and anchor stations supported by solar or hybrid energy systems, complemented by assumed urban charging infrastructure in major city terminals. This research provides a replicable, data driven framework for EVCS planning in emerging regions. It serves as a decision-support tool for policymakers, energy planners, and private-sector stakeholders seeking to accelerate electric vehicle adoption in the Philippines.