Are we ready to transition towards e-mobility? An analysis of electric vehicle public charging infrastructure in Barcelona

• Barcelona needs 4,120–4,162 chargers on main roads to meet 2030 EV demand. • The EV model includes assumptions on fleet size, batteries, and user behaviour. • MILP and Monte Carlo simulations guide EV charger allocation strategies. • Shopping centres and public parking facilities support charging accessibility. • Adaptive policies are needed to bridge urban EV infrastructure gaps. This article examines Barcelona’s readiness to transition to e-mobility by analysing the availability and geographical distribution of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The study employs a general equilibrium model to forecast EV charging demand under various adoption scenarios and uses Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP), Solver tools, and Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the optimal number and allocation of charging points required. Real-world data inform the analysis, which identifies critical shortages in the existing infrastructure and highlights the urgent need for targeted investments to meet rising demand. The proposed allocation strategy prioritises situating charging stations in shopping centres, on-street parking, and public parking facilities, guided by demand and logistical criteria. The findings emphasise the importance of stakeholder collaboration in establishing a reliable electric network and addressing barriers to EV adoption. This research contributes to the field by integrating advanced modelling techniques to address infrastructure challenges and offering actionable recommendations to advance e-mobility in urban areas.