Techno-economic comparison on charging modes of battery heavy-duty vehicles in short-haul delivery: A case study of China

It is critical to arrange appropriate charging infrastructure in advance to decarbonise heavy freight through electrification. Based on the same service level, this study conducted a techno-economic comparison of charging modes for battery heavy-duty vehicles in short-haul delivery, covering the broadest range of charging modes, including slow, fast (150 kW), fast (350 kW), swap, and overhead catenary. The techno-economic performance is obtained by a model composed of five evaluation indicators, in which the ratio of service capacity to cost and the average financial net present value are specific. The factors influencing the techno-economic performance of charging modes are further explored based on case analysis. Results show that the charging modes of slow, fast (150 kW), fast (350 kW), swap, and overhead catenary are not profitable under the corresponding facility utilisation rates of 40%, 20%, 20%, 30%, and 70%, or under operating years of 5, 3, 2, 4, and 12 years. Fast charging, at both 150 and 350 kW, has a better advantage in profitability based on the highest average financial net present value. Swap charging is best regarding energy supplement efficiency, but it is not profitable when the battery swapping price is less than 0.8 CNY/kWh. Overhead catenary charging is the most effective system per unit cost due to the highest ratio of service capacity to cost. The insights, the precise prediction of the charging demand, the focus on the charging price, and the comprehensive improvement in the facility utilisation rate are crucial for the success of charging service providers.