Can public-private partnerships promote sustainable electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment?

The rapid growth of electric vehicles is hindered by insufficient electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI). Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) present a viable solution to accelerate sustainable EVCI deployment by leveraging private investment and public resources. However, high initial costs and uncertain returns often deter private sector participation, while governments focus on public welfare and environmental objectives. This study explores the potential of PPPs to promote sustainable EVCI deployment, using evolutionary game theory to analyze the decision-making processes of key stakeholders - property owners, operators, and government regulators - involved in EVCI-PPP projects. Evolutionary stability strategies (ESS) are then identified by solving replicated dynamic equations and equilibrium point stability analysis. Lastly, a numerical illustration based on a real-world case supports the theoretical findings, revealing key insights: (1) the game model identifies eight equilibrium points and four potential ESSs, shaped by stakeholders' cost-revenue trade-offs; (2) the revenue-sharing coefficient critically impacts cooperation and project efficiency, with higher returns linked to greater risks; (3) both excessively high and low subsidies can destabilize the market, highlighting the need for a balanced approach; and (4) a strategically structured charging price can attract more EV users, improving station utilization and providing attractive investment returns for the private sector.