Powering E-Shuttles with Optimised Routes and Smart Pavement

Project Lead: Dr Sara Deilami, Macquarie University
Project Partners: Western Sydney University, Stryder 

Project Overview

High use vehicles could take a hit to their utilisation rate if they have to sit in one location to recharge for several hours. 

This project proposes a novel charging pad placed in the road to provide temporary repeating charging while the vehicle is in operation, and proves out the practical application of road charging pads for bus electric vehicles in a real-world setting. 

The adoption of EVs has been delayed by concerns and hesitations over limited driving range and inadequate charging infrastructure. This project, building on our developed magnetised cement technology, aims to address these issues by enabling EVs to charge while driving. In partnership with Stryder, we will embed specialised charging pads and coils into the pavement and electric shuttle, reducing the reliance on large batteries and separate charging stations. An artificial intelligence algorithm will be developed to optimise the efficiency of the wireless power transfer, electric shuttle (e- shuttle) bus routes and battery capacity, creating a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable transportation system.

As a case study, this charging technology with AI-based route optimisation will be tested in the Hunter Hills area, including Macquarie Hospital and this test will demonstrate its potential to reduce aged care transport waiting times and eliminate EV range anxiety as a barrier for EV uptake. 

Objectives and Deliverables

Objectives: 

• Develop Enhance Wireless Charging with smart pavement: Design and integrate charging coils into the magnetised cement developed at MQ Power and Energy Lab,optimising the core structure for enhanced efficiency and continuous wireless powertransfer.
• Engineer, Test, and Validate: Develop and test a prototype of magnetized cement embedded with coils and high-power charging pads, leading to a wireless chargingtrial at MQ.
• Develop AI Algorithm for Optimisation: Create an AI algorithm to optimise traveldistance, and battery capacity, improving operational efficiency for e-shuttles.
• Economic and Environmental Assessment: Evaluate the financial viability, and environmental impact, focusing on emission reduction and ecological benefits. 

Outcomes: 

• High Power Magnetised Cement.
• Validated Road WPT system for e-shuttles.
• Advanced AI-driven operational efficiency.
• Economic and environmental assessment. 

Deliverables: 

• Functional prototype and trial results
• AI optimisation tool
• Economic and environmental impact report. 

Impact to Net Zero Targets 

This project aims to establish a zero-emission transport system by electrifying Stryder’s shuttle service in the Ryde area, directly supporting the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub’s mission. The initiative will develop optimal route planning, optimisation, and scheduling, alongside the integration of Road Wireless Power Transfer (RWPT) systems into existing infrastructure.

As the world focuses on reducing carbon emissions, the expanding market for sustainable transportation technologies— estimated to grow by 25% [1]—presents a substantial opportunity for this project to make a significant impact. Domestically, Australia’s commitment to sustainability, particularly in transport electrification and clean energy strategies, aligns with this project’s objectives. NSW leads the charge with initiatives like the $120 million EV Strategy and plans for the widespread adoption of electric buses by 2030 (52%), creating a progressive policy environment in which this project will thrive [2]. The project directly supports the NSW Government’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. By integrating a WPT system with magnetised cement, the shuttle can recharge seamlessly while driving, eliminating the need for separate charging stations and larger batteries—key factors in addressing range anxiety and promoting broader adoption of EVs.

Additionally, the use of recycled materials in cement aggregates reduces waste and lowers the environmental impact of construction, aligning with global sustainability efforts. Given that the transport sector accounted for 21% of Australia’s total net emissions in 2023 [3], with road transport responsible for 86% of this, the successful implementation of this technology could significantly reduce emissions. 

By optimising battery sizing and route scheduling and replacing private vehicle trips and taxis with electric shuttles, this project offers a sustainable, green transport solution that benefits the broader community and contributes to a more inclusive transition to zero-emission transportation.