Managerial considerations for Fuzzy EVRP /Nour Sameh Mahmoud Abdulatif

Supervisor: Tarek Khalil

Thesis (MS.c)—Nile University, Egypt, 2023 .

"Includes bibliographical references"

Contents: ACKNOWLDGEMENT ....................................................................................................................................V
ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................................................VI
LIST OF Abbrevations....................................................................................................................................... X
LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................................ XI
LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................................................... XII
1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 13
2 DISCUSSION OF THE FUZZY ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROBLEM................................................... 15
2.1 ROAD FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION.......................................................................................................... 15
2.1.1 Road Freight Transportation: Global outlook ..................................................................................... 15
2.1.2 Road Freight Transportation : Egypt’s Outlook.................................................................................. 16
2.1.3 Road Freight Transportation : Repercussions..................................................................................... 16
2.2 ELECTRIC Road Friegt Transportation...................................................................................................... 17
2.2.1 Electric Vehicles in Transportation: Global Outlook.......................................................................... 17
2.2.2 Electric Vehicles in Transportation: Egypt’s outlook ......................................................................... 19
2.2.3 ELECTRIC VEHICLES CHALLENGES.......................................................................................... 20
2.3 Routing Problems .................................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.1 Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) ........................................................................................................ 21
2.3.2 Electric Vehicle routing Problem (EVRP).......................................................................................... 21
2.4 FUZZY Optimization ................................................................................................................................. 22
2.4.1 Fuzzy logic & logistical optimzation.................................................................................................. 22
2.4.2 Fuzzy Routing Problems & Variation................................................................................................. 23
2.4.3 Lexicographic Methods for Fuzzy Optimization ................................................................................ 24
2.5 LITERATURE GAP ANALYSIS ..................................................................................................................... 25
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 26
3.1 Research objectives ................................................................................................................................. 26
IX
3.2 Research method..................................................................................................................................... 26
3.2.1 Methodology....................................................................................................................................... 26
3.2.2 Addressing Fuzzy Demands ............................................................................................................... 29
3.2.3 Proposed model definition. ................................................................................................................. 31
3.2.4 Proposed Model.................................................................................................................................. 34
4 RESULTS and discussion....................................................................................................................... 38
4.1 Simulation Experiment and Result Analysis: Solomon Dataset ............................................................... 38
4.1.1 Description of Instances and Experimental Environment................................................................... 38
4.1.2 Experimental Results.......................................................................................................................... 39
4.2 Simulation Experiment and Result Analysis: Case Study.......................................................................... 68
4.2.1 Description of Instance and Experimental Environment .................................................................... 68
4.2.2 Experimental Results.......................................................................................................................... 69
5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................... 84
5.1 Managerial Implications.......................................................................................................................... 84
5.2 Recommendations................................................................................................................................... 88
6 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................... 89
7 References ............................................................................................................................................... 91

Abstract: This study presents a significant contribution to the Electric Vehicle Routing Problem (EVRP)
domain by addressing the challenges posed by fuzzy demands, soft time windows, and the need
for recharging at demand points. The research aims to provide valuable insights into electric
vehicle routing optimization, specifically focusing on the dynamic nature of fuzzy demand and the
incorporation of soft time windows, while simultaneously assessing the economic and
environmental implications. The problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming
model, accommodating uncertainties in demand levels and allowing for flexibility with penalties
for time window violations. Utilizing LINGO V19 software, the model is solved using both
Solomon Datasets and a case study dataset, yielding exact solutions. To gauge the impact of fuzzy
demand, a Depth-First Lexicographic Parametric Analysis is conducted by varying the fuzzy
demand parameters. The model's validity and effectiveness are rigorously examined using
Solomon's benchmark dataset and subsequently applied to a case study derived from the Egyptian
local market.
The solutions obtained are evaluated based on various metrics, including total incurred costs,
penalty costs, total distance traveled, and total CO2 emissions. The analysis of these solutions
provides managerial implications, establishing a decision-making framework for electric vehicle
fleet management. Recommendations are proposed for decision-makers encompassing fuzzy
demand modeling techniques, charging infrastructure considerations, pricing and incentive
strategies, and effective management systems.
This study significantly advances EVRP research, offering practical solutions for real-world
transportation planning and logistics management. The integration of fuzzy demand dynamics and
soft time windows into the optimization model enhances its applicability to complex and uncertain
real-world scenarios, contributing to the sustainable development of electric vehicle routing
practices

Text in English, abstracts in English