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Optimizing Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure: A Bi-Level Mathematical Model for Strategic Station Location and Off-Board Charger Allocation in Transportation Network

Author

Listed:
  • Patcharida Kunawong

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Warisa Nakkiew

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Parida Jewpanya

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Wasawat Nakkiew

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

Abstract

This study presented a novel bi-level mathematical model for designing charging infrastructure in an interstate electric bus transportation network, specifically addressing long-haul operations. To the best of our knowledge, no existing study integrates charging station locations with the number of off-board chargers while simultaneously optimizing their allocation and charging schedules. The proposed model fills this gap by formulating an exact algorithm using a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP). The first-level model determines the optimal placement and number of charging stations. The second-level model optimizes the number of off-board chargers, charger allocation, and bus charging schedules. This ensures operational efficiency and integration of decisions between both levels. The experiments and sensitivity analysis were conducted on a real case study of an interstate bus network in Thailand. The results provided valuable insights for policymakers and transportation planners in designing cost-effective and efficient electric bus transportation systems. The proposed model provides a practical framework for developing eco-friendly transportation networks, encouraging sustainability, and supporting the broader adoption of electric buses.

Suggested Citation

  • Patcharida Kunawong & Warisa Nakkiew & Parida Jewpanya & Wasawat Nakkiew, 2025. "Optimizing Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure: A Bi-Level Mathematical Model for Strategic Station Location and Off-Board Charger Allocation in Transportation Network," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-28, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmathe:v:13:y:2025:i:5:p:733-:d:1598566
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gkiotsalitis, Konstantinos & Rizopoulos, Dimitrios & Merakou, Marilena & Iliopoulou, Christina & Liu, Tao & Cats, Oded, 2025. "Electric bus charging station location selection problem with slow and fast charging," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 382(C).
    2. Perumal, Shyam S.G. & Lusby, Richard M. & Larsen, Jesper, 2022. "Electric bus planning & scheduling: A review of related problems and methodologies," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 301(2), pages 395-413.
    3. Rong-Ceng Leou & Jeng-Jiun Hung, 2017. "Optimal Charging Schedule Planning and Economic Analysis for Electric Bus Charging Stations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Rogge, Matthias & van der Hurk, Evelien & Larsen, Allan & Sauer, Dirk Uwe, 2018. "Electric bus fleet size and mix problem with optimization of charging infrastructure," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 282-295.
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