To support the transition of heavy-duty trucks to battery-electric technologies, researchers at UC Riverside and AmpTrans, Inc. are developing a new planning tool called CHARGE-OPT. Co-funded by South Coast AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program, CHARGE-OPT offers tailored modules for fleet operators, charging-station developers, utility providers, and public agencies. Built on a shared foundation of transportation, policy, charging, and power-system data, the tool uses optimization algorithms to guide effective electrification strategies.

The first two modules—Fleet and Infrastructure—are now available to the public within the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction at: www.amptrans.net/southcoast.

The Fleet Module allows users to compare deployment scenarios by mapping truck routes, suggesting charging options based on public charging availability and grid capacity, and estimating operating costs using truck models and available incentives. Its goal is to help fleets identify efficient and cost-effective pathways to adopt battery-electric trucks.

The Infrastructure Module helps developers identify optimal locations for public charging stations. It combines truck traffic data with information on existing chargers, truck stops, warehouses, and intermodal facilities, along with regularly updated grid-capacity data from utilities. Interactive maps make it easy to visualize key data and pinpoint promising sites for new charging infrastructure.

Additional modules for utility providers and public agencies are under development. These will support broader system planning—helping utilities assess cost-effective grid upgrades and enabling agencies to conduct regional analyses. Both are scheduled for release before this summer.