Is It Safe to Charge? Exploring Crime and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Portland, Oregon - CANCELLED

• In Event: Communities and Place: Super Controllers, Risk Terrain Models, and Crime

Abstract

The rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure presents new challenges in urban environments, particularly regarding crime risk at charging stations. This exploratory study examines the relationship between crime rates and the location of EV charging stations in Portland, Oregon, to assess whether these stations exhibit heightened vulnerability to criminal activity. Using the theoretical framework of Crime Pattern Theory and Routine Activities Theory, we integrate crime data from the Portland Police Bureau, and geospatial analysis of station placement, to assess the risk values associated with EV charging stations. Key variables analyzed include the frequency of vehicle theft, vandalism, personal assaults, and property crimes in proximity to EV charging stations. Preliminary findings indicate that EV stations in isolated areas exhibit elevated risk scores, particularly at night, while those co-located with businesses or in well-lit, surveilled environments demonstrate lower crime rates. This study underscores the need for targeted security interventions, such as enhanced lighting, surveillance, and strategic urban planning, to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of EV users. The research contributes to a growing body of knowledge on the social implications of EV ownership, informing policymakers, and law enforcement agencies in developing effective crime prevention strategies.

Authors

• Christopher Alston, Tarleton State University

• Olga Semukhina, Tarleton State University