Logistics Distribution Path Optimization Considering Carbon Emissions and Multifuel-Type Vehicles

Abstract

With the development of a sustainable economy, higher requirements are put forward for logistics enterprises, which not only need to meet the requirements of profit growth but also to meet the need of sustainable development. A vehicle routing problem (VRP) optimization model considering carbon emissions and multifuel-type vehicles (VRP-CEMF) is proposed to solve the problems of air pollution and high transportation cost in the current logistics distribution. An improved genetic algorithm (IGA) is designed to solve the VRP-CEMF. The impact of carbon emissions and multifuel-type vehicles on the logistics distribution path is explored by a real example simulation. The results show that the logistics distribution path optimization considering carbon emissions and multifuel-type vehicles including hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen-fueled vehicles can significantly reduce carbon emissions on the premise of ensuring the lowest total cost. Furthermore, the impact of carbon emissions, hydrogen fuel price, and customer demand on the logistics distribution path is discussed by sensitivity analysis. The research results of this paper provide an effective reference for enterprises to control carbon emissions in the process of logistics distribution and promote the green transformation of logistics.