Assessing the performance of a charge-while-driving system in urban arterial roads: insight from a microsimulation model

This study presents a method based on traffic microsimulation to support feasibility studies on charge-while-driving (CWD) systems for fully electric vehicles in urban environments. The examined CWD solution is deployed by charging zones (CZs), which are installed before the stopping lines at signalised intersections. The opportunity to charge an electric vehicle en route is provided for almost stationary vehicle conditions, when it may be in queue for junction control requirements. The analysed scenario refers to a 2 km urban arterial with eight signalised intersections, where 10% of the traffic is assumed to be electric vehicles. CWD performance results are reported from the viewpoints of both driver and energy provider. The estimated stop time for electric vehicles at any section can vary and is often below 30 s. However, the entire stop time for a vehicle along the arterial is higher: ~50% of the vehicles can charge in a range of 10-65 s. For the energy operator´s viewpoint, a support analysis for the CZ location was performed by observing the charging opportunities at various sections. Finally, the total electric power provided for the entire system is estimated.