Abstract Manager

Canada's pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050 emphasizes the role of medium to heavy-duty electric trucks, along with passenger electric vehicles (EVs), in mitigating the environmental impact of the transportation sector. With a persistent emission uptrend since 1990, heavy-duty trucks constitute approximately 24% of the transportation sector's overall emissions. However, the fast-growing emissions of heavy-duty trucks, with increases of 67% in Quebec and 61% in Ontario between 1990 and 2019, make the Quebec-Windsor corridor one of the pivotal arteries to study [1].

This study aims to evaluate potential charging locations for Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (MHDVs) in its first section. The objective is to ensure an uninterrupted delivery without encountering charging depletion, considering the Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) of Commercial MHDVs along the Autoroute 20 and Highway 401 (A20-H401) corridor and the future growth of MHDV uptake aligned with the 2050 net-zero strategy. The assessment includes an evaluation of charging stations, such as power supply from installed chargers and stations' geomantic requirements, as well as factors affecting battery consumption rates, including distinctive weather conditions in Canada and the impact of truck payloads and goods' weight.

In the second part of the study, the focus shifts to evaluating the implementation of catenary technology within the corridor, drawing insights from pilot projects conducted in Europe and North America. Considering deployed catenary charging in Sweden, Germany, California, the UK, and a study conducted in Quebec, the paper depicts potential baseline data and investment payback for implementing this technology in Ontario's road infrastructure. Also, reflecting on the highlighted parameters in section one, including Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT), installed charger’s power supply, and factors influencing battery consumption rates, the research suggests the optimal number and length of catenary segments along the corridor.

Proposing potential charger locations and catenary segments, this collaborative effort aims to support the Ontario government in advancing towards its zero-emission goals and facilitating policymaking in the realm of sustainable transportation, towards a green and sustainable future.

References

[1] Marie Rajon Bernard, Alexander Tankou, Hongyang Cui, and Pierre-Louis Ragon, CHARGING SOLUTIONS FOR BATTERY-ELECTRIC TRUCKS, International Council on Clean Transportation, 2022, Washington, DC