Optimal charging plan for electric bus considering time-of-day electricity tariff

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to develop an optimization method for charging plans with the implementation of time-of-day (TOD) electricity tariff, to reduce electricity bill. Design/methodology/approach - Two optimization models for charging plans respectively with fixed and stochastic trip travel times are developed, to minimize the electricity costs of daily operation of an electric bus. The charging time is taken as the optimization variable. The TOD electricity tariff is considered, and the energy consumption model is developed based on real operation data. An optimal charging plan provides charging times at bus idle times in operation hours during the whole day (charging time is 0 if the bus is not get charged at idle time) which ensure the regular operation of every trip served by this bus. Findings - The electricity costs of the bus route can be reduced by applying the optimal charging plans. Originality/value - This paper produces a viable option for transit agencies to reduce their operation costs.