Optimal Electric Bus Charging Scheduling with Multiple Vehicle and Charger Types Considering Compatibility

Battery electric buses (BEBs) are a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for modern transit systems, offering zero tailpipe emissions and reduced noise pollution. However, due to the relatively short driving range and limited charging resources, it is crucial to jointly optimize the BEB fleet, charging schedules, and charging infrastructure to improve operational efficiency. This study proposes a BEB charging scheduling method with multiple types of vehicles and chargers. In particular, a partial charging strategy, charging continuity, and the compatibility of vehicles with chargers are incorporated. We first formulate a mixed-integer programming model to minimize the total costs of the BEB transit system, including the purchase costs of chargers, fleet composition costs, and electricity costs. Then, a column generation (CG) algorithm is designed to solve the model, and a case study based on a real transit network in Nanjing, China, was conducted. The results verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm. The findings in this study provide practical guidance on BEB charging scheduling and promote the sustainable development of bus transit systems.