Simulation of electric vehicle charging loads on highways considering fluid dynamics under traffic flow congestion

• A macroscopic model is developed to simulate highway traffic-flow fluid dynamics. • The MCTM resolves coupling issues at on-ramp and off-ramp merging and diverging. • A nested logit model captures EV charging decisions among multiple HCSs. • An SBC-based queuing model simulates cross-period backlog in charging queues. • The method works under various traffic conditions, especially congestion scenarios. The limited driving range of electric vehicle (EV) on long distance travel, such as highways, is a major barrier to their widespread adoption. The construction of highway charging stations has been an important development plan for governments. Analyzing and simulating the charging load on highways is essential for supporting the development of EV charging station and infrastructure. This paper examines the spatiotemporal distribution of highway traffic flow using a modified Cell Transmission Model, which is based on the fluid dynamics of traffic flow. Additionally, a charging load simulation method designed to handle excessive charging demand periods is introduced, utilizing the Stationary Backlog Carryover approach. This method effectively simulates the continuous backlog of EVs charging demand that frequently occurs during holidays and peak periods. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated using data from a highway in Shandong, China, highlighting its potential to support EV infrastructure planning and pricing strategy.