Simulation-Based Tool for Strategic and Technical Planning of Truck Charging Parks at Highway Sites

Abstract

In the forthcoming years, it is expected that there will be a notable increase in the market penetration of electrically powered trucks with the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. It is therefore essential to implement a comprehensive public charging infrastructure along highways in the medium term, enabling vehicles to be charged overnight or during driving breaks, particularly in the context of long-distance transportation. This paper presents a simulation model that supports the planning and technical design of truck charging parks at German highway rest areas. It also presents a transferable mobility model for the volume of trucks and the parking times of long-distance trucks at rest areas. Subsequently, a simulation is offered for the purpose of designing the charging infrastructure and analysing peak loads in the local energy system. The potential of the models is demonstrated using various charging infrastructure scenarios for an exemplary reference site. Subsequently, the extent to which the charging infrastructure requirements and the service quality at the location depend on external conditions is explained. In addition, the influence of the range of offers and the business models on the efficiency of infrastructure use is established. Based on the findings, general recommendations for the design of truck charging parks at rest areas are then given and discussed.

Keywords

• battery electric truck
• megawatt charging
• truck charging park
• rest area