Integrated transportation-power modeling for electric and automated vehicle fleets

By Matthew Dean on 10/08/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Matthew Dean, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Irvine, as he presents via Zoom at the Fall 2026 Kent Seminar Series on Thursday, October 8, from 2:00-2:50 p.m. (CT).

The Fall 2026 Kent Seminar will explore advances in transportation engineering modeling. The 13-speaker series will begin August 27 and end November 19. 

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

Join Zoom Webinar:
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81698798883?pwd=dlHgbqirs442ZcdQJoP4bhbeE1mqOq.1

Webinar ID: 816 9879 8883
Passcode: 664625

Abstract and Bio

Electrifying vehicle fleets will reshape transportation and power grids, yet the two systems are rarely modeled together. This talk presents a framework that couples agent-based travel simulation with power-system dispatch to examine how personal electric vehicles and robotaxi fleets can charge in response to grid signals. Optimization-based strategies for robotaxi repositioning, charging and vehicle-to-grid discharging are introduced, showing how coordinated fleet operations can lower costs, reduce health and climate impacts and improve service quality. Results from case studies in Chicago and Austin offer guidance for utilities, fleet operators and policymakers navigating the transportation-energy transition.

Dean is an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Irvine, and a faculty affiliate of the Institute of Transportation Studies-Irvine. His research focuses on vehicle-grid integration and how human factors, policies and technologies shape decarbonization in the transportation and power sectors. He received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in civil engineering from the University of Virginia and the University of Texas at Austin.