A Simulation Platform for Truck Platooning Evaluation in an Interactive Traffic Environment

Truck platooning is a promising technology in freight transport. To commercialize truck platooning as early as possible, its evaluation is in urgent need. For truck platooning evaluation, simulation platforms play a crucial role. However, there has not been a simulation platform to meet the evaluation needs of various stakeholders, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Freight Operators (FOs) and Transportation Management Administrations (TMAs). To fill the research gap, this paper proposes a next-generation simulation platform. It integrates a traffic simulator, platoon management system, and truck control module to satisfy all the evaluation needs. The proposed platform bears the following features: i) Compatibility with various platooning decision makers, planners, controllers, vehicle types and platoon management strategies; ii) Capability of evaluating platoon performance on the lateral dimension; iii) Prototype platoon management system provided for FOs; iv) Capability of evaluating truck platoon management performance in terms of sustainability and economy; v) Capability of evaluating the impact of interactive background traffic on platoon performance. vi) Capability of evaluating the impact of truck platoon management on traffic mobility. The proposed platform is validated by comparison against an actual field test. Its credibility is confirmed in terms of truck platoon performance and interactive traffic simulation. Additional tests are conducted to evaluate truck platoon performance and the impact of truck platoons on mixed traffic. The results reveal that existing platoon lane-change technologies should be upgraded to be compatible with high-traffic-demand scenarios. It is also revealed that a localized and up-to-date assessment is required before allowing truck platooning.