Transportation is the number one emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota and medium to heavy duty trucks contribute to about 40% of transportation carbon pollution.

While electric cars and buses are becoming more common, medium and heavy duty electric trucks are still in their infancy, and the nationwide infrastructure needs to support them still has to be determined.

In a new study, MnDOT will identify the electric charging infrastructure needed along Minnesota highway corridors to support clean freight transportation.

“We want to better understand the available technology and demand in our state for heavy- and medium-duty electric trucks,” explained Siri Simons, principal sustainability planner, MnDOT Office of Sustainability and Public Health. “Where can we strategically site the infrastructure, and what should we consider for the electrical grid based on these recommendations?”

Objectives

The University of Minnesota research team will study potential e-truck implications on freight traffic and examine power grid capabilities from conventional and renewable sources.

With the objective of providing charging service at minimum capital and operating cost, an optimization model will be developed to determine the location, type, and capacity of potential charging facilities on identified corridors. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind will be considered for supplementing the conventional grid.

The results of this study will provide guidelines and suggestions for long-term decisions toward clean freight transportation in and through Minnesota.

Methodology

1. Synthesize existing knowledge about electric trucks, charging needs and markets.
2. Gather highway network and traffic data, and analyze electric truck demand and traffic implications.
3. Gather and analyze power grid data to identify potential locations for charging infrastructure, and assess potential renewable energy sources.
4. Use survey and geographic information system (GIS) data to identify needs and priority locations for electric truck infrastructure.
5. Develop a cost-effective plan for optimizing electric truck charging facilities.
6. Report findings and implementation recommendations. 

Project Details

• Estimated Start Date: 11/1/2020
• Estimated Completion Date: 10/31/2022
• Funding: Minnesota Department of Transportation
• Principal Investigator: Alireza Khani, John Hourdos, Angela Piner
• Technical Liaison: Siri Simons   

Details of the research study work plan and timeline are subject to change.

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