Bilevel optimization can efficiently solve complex routing problems by separating interdependent decisions (routing vs. charging) into hierarchical levels, using a surrogate objective to accelerate convergence without requiring parameter tuning.
This paper solves the Electric Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem—deciding routes and charging stops for electric delivery vehicles—using a bilevel optimization approach. The method separates routing and charging decisions into different optimization levels, using a simplified objective to guide the search efficiently.