Using a Route-based and Vehicle Type specific Range Constraint for Improving Vehicle Routing Problems with Electric Vehicles

Abstract

In this research project, we implement a vehicle type dependent range constraint into a Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) to consider the limited range of electric vehicles in urban freight transport planning due to the its restricted battery capacity and energy consumption. We apply this VRP in the route optimization jsprit which is linked to the microscopic agent-based simulation MATSim. In the framework of a case study focusing on food retail distribution in Berlin, Germany, we operationalize the range constraint and demonstrate the functionality and the effectiveness of this constraint using the distance from routing in a transport simulation network. Based on the simulation results, we analyze and discuss the impacts of the limitations of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) on freight transport demand, road mileage performed and the resulting transport costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.