Open Access

Mario Jordan

• The decarbonization of the transportation sector is critical for achieving climate neutrality targets in Germany and the European Union. Battery electric vehicles, particularly in the commercial sector, play a key role due to their high efficiency and emission reduction potential. As the share of fluctuating renewable energies increases, greater flexibility is needed to ensure grid stability. Bidirectional charging, enabling both charging and discharging of vehicle batteries, can provide such flexibility by balancing supply and demand, thereby reducing the need for costly grid expansion. Battery electric trucks, with their large battery capacities and predictable usage patterns, are particularly well suited for these applications, simultaneously offering additional revenue opportunities for fleet operators. This thesis integrates a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis into the eFlame (Electric Flexibility Assessment Modeling Environment) optimisation model to evaluate the economic impacts of different charging strategies for commercial electric fleets. Given the significance of TCO for purchasing decisions in fleet operations, the integration of a comprehensive TCO analysis is essential. Relevant capital and operational expenditures were identified through a literature review, structured into an influence diagram, and subsequently implemented in MATLAB, where the TCO analysis is carried out. The model was linked to an SQL-based database to enable flexible and automated scenario analysis. In addition, a standardized method for the visualisation of results was developed. The study defines a base scenario incorporating peak shaving and PV self-optimisation – both already technically and legally feasible – and develops sensitivity analyses based on targeted parameter variations. The results show that bidirectional charging achieves the lowest TCO, despite higher initial infrastructure costs, by reducing energy expenditures and mitigating battery degradation, thus increasing residual values. Additionally, bidirectional charging can substitute stationary battery storage systems, leading to further cost reductions in comparison to uncontrolled and controlled charging. Future vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications could enhance these benefits even further. To realize the full potential of bidirectional charging, continued political support and regulatory facilitation of V2G use cases are essential. This work underscores the economic value of flexible charging strategies and provides a foundation for further research and practical implementation in fleet management.