How will electric vehicles affect traffic congestion and energy consumption: an integrated modelling approach

TL;DR

This paper presents an integrated modeling framework combining traffic simulation and queue models to analyze how electric vehicle adoption impacts traffic congestion and energy infrastructure, providing insights for planning and management.

Contribution

It introduces the first integrated analysis linking EV adoption, traffic congestion, and energy infrastructure impacts using real traffic data and charging infrastructure design.

Findings

Predicts limitations of EV infrastructure and traffic congestion evolution

Identifies critical points for traffic and energy management

Provides a tool for planning EV infrastructure deployment

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on traffic congestion and energy consumption by proposing an integrated bi-level framework comprising of: a) a dynamic micro-scale traffic simulation suitable for modelling current and hypothetical traffic and charging demand scenarios and b) a queue model for capturing the impact of fast charging station use, informed by traffic flows, travel distances, availability of charging infrastructure and estimated vehicle battery state of charge. To the best of our knowledge, this paper represents the first integrated analysis of potential traffic congestion and energy infrastructure impacts linked to EV uptake, based on real traffic flows and the placement and design of existing fast-charging infrastructure. Results showcase that the integrated queue-energy-transport modelling framework can predict correctly the limitations of the EV infrastructure as well as the traffic congestion evolution. The modelling approach identifies concrete pain points to be addressed in both traffic and energy management and planning. The code for this project can be found at : https://github.com/Future-Mobility-Lab/EV-charging-impact