Stuck in the middle: Optimization of long-haul trucking with battery trailer support

In the pursuit of a more sustainable transportation sector, the electrification of long-haul trucking still presents a significant challenge. The frequent need for recharging small-sized batteries poses a risk to timely deliveries, while larger batteries are costly and add substantial weight, reducing payload capacity. An innovative solution involves the use of special battery trailers, attached between tractors and semi-trailers, to support traditional diesel trucks and mitigate their emissions. In this study, we explore the routing of a single truck and its synchronization with battery trailers for point-to-point deliveries. Based on a comprehensive analysis of computational complexity, we develop efficient solution methods to solve this routing problem. By employing these methods, we identify scenarios where the integration of battery trailers encounters inefficiencies, potentially leading to unsupported truck drives and fewer operational emission savings than promised by their technological capability. Our findings shed light on the operational challenges associated with leveraging battery trailers to not end up with unfulfilled expectations.