As part of the Horizon Europe-funded metaCCAZE project, researchers from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) have published a new study addressing a central challenge in the transition to electric public transport: where to optimally place electric bus charging infrastructure.

The study, titled “Electric Bus Charging Station Location Selection Problem with Slow and Fast Charging”, presents a model designed to support strategic planning for public transport electrification. It accounts for key operational factors such as the deadheading distance (distance traveled by a bus without passengers to reach a charger) and different types of charging stations — balancing the cost and performance of slow and fast chargers.

Applied to the Athens metropolitan area, the model was tested on a large-scale network of over 1,900 bus trips and 336 potential charging station sites. The result is a powerful decision-support tool that helps cities plan cost-effective, efficient, and scalable electric bus infrastructure.

Read the full article: NTUA Publishes New Study on Optimal Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure Placement in Athens
Read the full paper: Electric Bus Charging Station Location Selection Problem with Slow and Fast Charging

This research provides a robust methodological foundation for cities aiming to electrify their public transport networks. By addressing both operational costs and infrastructure constraints, the proposed model offers a practical and scalable solution for determining the optimal number, type, and location of charging stations. Its successful application to the Athens transport network demonstrates its potential to support evidence-based planning across other large metropolitan areas in Europe and beyond.