Analysis of Fast Charging Arrangements for Electric Heavy Goods Vehicles

Electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are a key step towards reducing road freight emissions. However, they require large batteries and fast chargers. There is interest in exploring high-capacity chargers at warehouse docks that can charge at a rate of 1 MW. These chargers are expensive and complex but are needed to run big-battery electric HGVs without a change in logistics operations. Hence, this paper aims at evaluating scenarios in which high-capacity chargers are useful by estimating battery sizes required for various logistics operations. The paper also aims to evaluate the circumstances under which high-capacity chargers are economically feasible using a 15-year cost break-even model. It is seen that high-capacity chargers are useful and economically feasible for journeys with smaller stop durations and longer distances, but not for journeys with longer stops. It is also observed that they need to be supplemented by different charging strategies and dynamic charging techniques.