WattRoutes: smart planning for electric HGV charging infrastructure

The transition to battery electric heavy-goods vehicles (eHGV) to deliver on net-zero policies poses significant challenges to all enabling stakeholders. While the availability of eHGVs, particularly from major manufacturers, shows promise, there remains a notable gap in research and policy concerning the necessary charging infrastructure network to support eHGV operators nationwide. The major challenge associated with the transition relates to identifying areas where there is both a need for eHGV charging and suitable power network capacity to supply high-capacity chargers. A successful transition to eHGV requires a considered approach given the diverse needs of license holders and constraints in power transmission and distribution networks.
The paper presents the early-stage data sources that underpin the design of several eHGV charging infrastructure planning tools. It is believed that an open and data-driven approach with the core objectives of identifying optimal charging locations, quantifying energy requirements and assessing power grid readiness, will help stakeholders of various scales. The developed process leverages data analytics to pinpoint key routes and locations of optimized eHGV charging infrastructure.