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https://www.nationalacademies.org/trb/events

Facilitating Electric Propulsion of Autonomous Vehicles Through Efficient Design of a Charging-Facility Network

Electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous or manual, provide a valuable opportunity to address issues of environmental pollution, climate change, and national security. In recognition of the synergies between vehicle electrification and autonomy, this study addresses the facilitation of vehicle electrification in the prospective future era where autonomous vehicles become mainstream. Part 1 of this study proposes a methodology for scheduling deployment of electric charging facilities (charging guideways and charging stations) at autonomous vehicle (AV) dedicated lanes over candidate links of a road network over a long-term horizon period. The methodology is intended to assist highway agencies in decision support regarding the scheduling, locations, and operating capacities of the EV charging facilities, where the road users (travelers) minimize their travel times by selecting routes and their preferred vehicle type (AV vs. human-driven vehicle (HDV)). The bi-level model is solved using a Genetic Algorithm, and the results provide insights into the impacts of alternative scenarios of charging infrastructure investment. Part 2 of the study presents a methodology for environmentally sustainable electric charging station deployment, such that travelers experience a smooth shift from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to EVs over a lengthy planning horizon. This involves gradually decommissioning existing gas stations and commissioning of new EV charging stations at those locations, and greenfield deployment of new charging stations at new locations to meet energy demand. At the upper level of the bi-level optimization framework, the agency (decision-maker) minimizes systemwide vehicle emissions. At the lower level, travelers minimize their travel times by choosing route and vehicle types in response to the upper-level decisions. The results of Part 2’s numerical experiments emphasize the importance of EV charging station availability and adequate driving range in EV market promotion. The results suggest the extent to which deployment budget size and driving range enhancement can increase EV market penetration and consequently, reduce vehicle emissions. Part 3 discusses the potential benefits, opportunities, costs, and challenges of vehicle electrification. Part 4 presents a summary of the report, highlights of the findings, and concluding remarks. Part 4 also presents the USDOT performance indicators in the context of this study, and the study’s research outputs, broad outcomes, and impacts.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Edition: Final Report
  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Glossary; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 150p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01908321
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: 40
  • Contract Numbers: 69A3551747105
  • Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Feb 15 2024 5:05PM