MFL Mitacs Project Electric School Buses

The transition to electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, particularly school buses, presents a significant opportunity for sustainable transportation. School buses are ideal candidates for electrification due to their predictable daily routes and manageable travel distances. However, establishing the necessary charging infrastructure and charging schedule at bus depots is a major barrier to this transition. Installing such infrastructure often requires costly grid upgrades, as existing power levels may need to be improved to support high-capacity chargers.

This project aims to design a depot-charging infrastructure that minimizes operational costs while accommodating the unique demands of school bus fleets. The primary objective is to develop a cost-effective solution that addresses energy costs influenced by utility demand charges and time-of-use (TOU) pricing. By optimizing the charging process, the project seeks to use the lowest power chargers available, schedule charging during off-peak hours, and implement staggered charging schedules to reduce simultaneous demand, despite the variability in bus routes.
The approach involves developing an optimization model that balances the costs of grid upgrades, charger installations, and energy consumption. Key parameters such as the number of chargers, their power levels, and charging schedules will be determined to ensure both cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. An interactive tool will also be developed to visualize and manage the charging solutions through a user-friendly interface, enabling stakeholders to interact with and adjust the infrastructure plan as needed.
Expertise in optimization algorithms, electric vehicle infrastructure, and web development is essential for the success of this project. The project aims to deliver a scalable and economically viable charging infrastructure model by leveraging advanced optimization techniques and comprehensive knowledge of sustainable transportation. The successful implementation of this model will facilitate the widespread electrification of school bus fleets, significantly reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Furthermore, it will establish a benchmark for future sustainable transportation initiatives, promoting greener

Faculty Supervisor:

Mehdi Nourinejad

Student:

Partner:

Mobility Futures Lab

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

York University

Program: