Regional Analysis and Evaluation Method for Assessing Potential for Installation of Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles

Many countries are adopting renewable energy (RE) and electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The indicators of RE and EV potentials are different. Decision-makers want to introduce RE and EVs; however, they need a method to find suitable areas. In addition, this is required in the time-series analysis to provide a detailed resolution. In this study, we conducted a time-series analysis in Japan to evaluate suitable areas for the combined use of RE and EVs. The results showed the surplus RE areas and shortage RE urban areas. The time-series analysis has quantitatively shown that it is not enough to charge EV batteries using surplus RE. Moreover, a ranking methodology was developed for the evaluation based on electric demand and vehicle numbers. This enables the government’s prioritization of prefectures and the prefectures’ prioritization of municipalities according to their policies.