Simulation of a charging infrastructure for electric trucks on the M1

Scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh have developed a simulation that replicates the journey of a delivery van from London to East Midlands Airport. This research is part of a project aimed at decarbonizing transport, led by TransiT, a national UK research center. The goal is to identify the necessary charging infrastructure for electric vehicles along the M1 motorway, as stated by the university.

The simulation utilizes data from DHL, which provides information from its UK fleet of approximately 6,500 trucks and vans. Alex Foote, a researcher at TransiT, explains that the study includes identifying the best locations for installing charging infrastructure for electric trucks. This includes setting up charging points at DHL depots as well as at service stations along the M1.

Modeling traffic dynamics

To analyze the various scenarios, Dr. Foote employs a technique called agent-based modeling (ABM). This method allows for the simulation of the behavior of individual actors, such as drivers and vehicles, and examines their interactions with the environment. The results of these simulations are expected to provide insights into how logistics companies need to adjust their operations to remain both reliable and profitable.

www.hw.ac.uk