ABSTRACT
This paper presents a comprehensive three dimensional finite element (3D FEM) analysis comparing the pavement impacts of Light Duty and Medium Duty Electric Vehicles (LDVs and MDVs) with those of conventional internal combustion vehicles (ICVs), using critical pavement strains as performance indicators. With the growing adoption of battery electric vehicles (EVs) driven by global decarbonization goals, their increased gross weights, typically 10% to 40% higher than ICVs raise concerns regarding elevated cumulative Equivalent Single Axle Loads (ESALs) under mixed traffic. A Modified Equivalent Axle Load Factor (Modified EALF) framework is implemented by benchmarking fatigue and rutting strains from FEM simulations against standard axle-induced reponses. Results indicate that EV-LDVs and EV-MDVs contribute approximately 68% more ESALs than their ICV counterparts under mixed traffic conditions. These findings highlight the need to recalibrate pavement design to accommodate future electrified traffic and ensure long-term infrastructure performance.
