The adoption rate of electric vehicles(EVs)will considerably increase based on the continuous promotion of EVs and the gradual construction of charging infrastructures. The spatio-temporal distribution prediction of EVs charging load is the basis for the research related to the integration of EVs into the power grid. The key factors of EVs charging load are firstly investigated. Three aspects are considered at the micro level

which are the characteristics of EV

charging facility relevant factors and EV user behavior-related. At the macro level

three main components are addressed in terms of policy

environment and market. Secondly

the paper provides a summary of previous work regarding modeling of spatio-temporal EV charging

where the uncertainties of user behavior are discussed in detail. The application of some new technologies in the current research is presented. Moreover

the research status of EVs participation in discharging potential assessment is delivered. Finally

research gaps that need to be further explored are identified.