Optimizing electric vehicle charging-swapping schemes to enhance utilization of solar energy generation on highways

The utilization of solar energy resources for replenishing electricity in electric vehicles is increasingly recognized as a critical component of low-carbon highway initiatives. Currently, the predominant methods for electric vehicle power replenishment are charging and battery swapping. However, the inherent differences between these methods, along with the uneven spatiotemporal distribution of solar energy resources, present significant challenges in optimizing solar energy utilization. This paper proposes an innovative approach to optimizing charging and swapping schemes of electric vehicles to enhance the efficient consumption of solar energy generated along highways. In detail, the proposed model integrates the concept of the time-space network for both charging-type and swapping-type electric vehicles, effectively illustrating the interactions between transportation and energy systems. Moreover, we develop a framework to schedule two types of electric vehicles while managing the charging process for depleted batteries at battery charging-swapping stations. The goal is to maximize the highway manager’s benefits while satisfying full-charged battery demands for swapping-type electric vehicles. Our case study illustrates that the proposed approach significantly enhances solar energy utilization and lowers grid electricity consumption, providing a more sustainable and economical operational solution for green highways.