First Results on the Impact of Synchronizing Driver Breaks and Charging in Electric Long-Haul Routing

Abstract

Climate change poses increasing pressure on the transport sector, which currently accounts for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. To support the transition to sustainable transportation, companies are exploring greener transport solutions, including electric vehicles (EVs). However, adopting EVs introduces new challenges to vehicle routing problems (VRPs), primarily due to limited driving ranges, long charging times and inadequate charging infrastructure. These constraints may hinder the competitiveness of EVs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICVs), particularly in mid- and long-haul contexts. Additionally, long-distance freight operations are strictly governed by Hours-of-Service (HoS) regulations, enforcing mandatory rest and break periods to ensure road safety. These regulations, despite adding complexity, also create an opportunity for EVs. More particularly, mandatory driver breaks can be synchronized with charging operations, potentially enhancing the competitiveness of EVs.

This study investigates this opportunity. In last-mile logistics, modern EVs are more likely to have enough battery to finish routes without on-road charging. Since these routes are generally shorter, the likelihood of drivers needing to take mandatory HoS breaks also decreases. For those reasons the analysis in this study focuses on mid- and long-haul contexts, with average route distances of 500 km, where charging operations become more likely and total driving duration requires mandatory HoS breaks.

To analyze the impact of synchronization between driver breaks and EV charging, the study first models charging and break scheduling for a predefined route with a fixed customer sequence. For this setting an Electric Truck Driver Scheduling Problem (ETDSP) is introduced, and a mathematical model is presented that determines charging and break feasibility. The analysis then compares ICV and EV operations without HoS regulations, followed by scenarios that include mandatory breaks, to assess their influence on EV competitiveness. In a second step, the analysis was extended to a VRP context, which moves beyond fixed sequences by allowing multiple feasible route options and varying node combinations. All experiments are conducted on a single-day planning horizon.

The findings provide insights into optimizing EV logistics and quantify how accounting for regulatory requirements in operational planning can reduce the cost gap between EVs and ICVs.