Optimal planning and scheduling of electric bus fleets and charging stations 

Supervisors 

Pierre Le Bodic (Monash University)  

The project 

The shift to electric buses is a vital step toward decarbonising public transport and improving urban air quality. However, this transition introduces new operational and energy management challenges. This PhD will explore the key trade-offs between battery size, route planning and charging optimisation within the context of the Victorian Government and ComfortDelGro Zero-Emissions Bus trial, developing optimisation models to support smarter planning and scheduling for bus operations. 

The project aims to: 

1. Plan the location and capacity of charging stations across the network, considering both transport and energy system constraints. 

2. Optimise fleet scheduling, including charging times, route assignments, and crew coordination. 

3. Evaluate the potential for vehicle-to-grid integration, enabling electric buses to support the electricity grid during off-peak periods. 

Together, these innovations will enable more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable public transport systems for the zero-emission future.