ASSESSMENT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES SUITABILITY FOR LOCAL OPERATION BASED ON THE INTEGRAL INDICATOR

Abstract

This article addresses the important scientific and practical issue of selecting the optimal electric vehicle (EV) model for use in the specific conditions of urban agglomerations in Ukraine. The current trends in the transport market show a rapid increase in interest in "clean" technologies. However, this growth is hindered by inadequate charging infrastructure, unstable power supply, and the limited financial means of most consumers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a scientifically grounded approach for comprehensively assessing vehicle suitability, particularly for local short-distance trips. During the research, a thorough analysis of contemporary scientific literature and statistical data regarding the dynamics of the EV market was conducted. This analysis allowed for the identification of key criteria that shape consumer priorities. Unlike existing approaches that often emphasize maximum technical specifications, this paper proposes an enhanced system of evaluation criteria. In addition to standard technical indicators (such as range, charging power, and reliability) and economic indicators (such as purchase cost and maintenance costs), the parameter of "energy efficiency" (specific energy consumption measured in kWh/100 km) is incorporated. This inclusion enables more accurate forecasting of operational costs. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the development of a comprehensive multi-criteria assessment methodology. This methodology uses weighting coefficients to reflect the significance of each criterion, tailored to the realities of urban operation in Ukraine, and applies the linear scaling method (min-max) for normalizing diverse parameters. This approach allows for the consolidation of cost, technical, and ergonomic indicators into a single dimensionless evaluation scale. The distribution of weight coefficients was carefully justified, with financial affordability assigned the highest priority (0.25), while energy efficiency and operational costs each received significant weights (0.15). The range for urban cycle was considered a secondary factor (0.15). The methodology was tested using six of the most popular models available on the Ukrainian market: Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, Hyundai Kona Electric, Volkswagen e-Golf, Tesla Model 3, and Tesla Model Y. The calculation of the integral suitability indicator revealed that for short-distance use, compact models performed better. Renault Zoe (integral indicator of 7.95) and Hyundai Kona Electric (7.90) ranked the highest, providing an optimal balance of initial investments, operational costs, and functionality. In contrast, more technologically advanced Tesla models received lower ratings (ranging from 7.70 to 7.80) primarily due to their high costs, which are a critical concern for the average consumer. Additionally, sensitivity analysis indicated that in a scenario of rising electricity tariffs, the competitive advantage shifts toward models with the highest energy efficiency, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric. The practical significance of these results lies in the creation of a universal toolkit designed to optimize the selection of vehicles for both individual users and corporate fleets, aiming to minimize the total cost of ownership.