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Zhenhan (Xander) PENG
Ph.D. Researcher
MSc., BSc.

Zhenhan (Xander) PENG

I am currently a Ph.D. researcher at Centre for Industrial Management / Traffic and Infrastructure (CIB) , KU Leuven under the supervision of Prof. Johan Joubert. Meanwhile, I also work as a Part-time Research Assistant at The TIP Research Group, Dept. LSGI, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Before pursuing my Ph.D. at KU Leuven, I received my master's degree in Geomatics from PolyU and bachelor's degree in Land Resources Management from Southwest University, respectively.

My research interests include:

  • Collaborative urban freight modelling
  • Large-scale micro-simulation
  • Agent-based modelling (primarily MATSim)
  • EV charging infrastructure optimization
  • Transport accessibility and equity
  • Spatial big data analysis

I am passionate about applying data-driven and micro-simulation approaches to address real-world transportation challenges, aiming to provide insights into urban logistics, smart mobility, and electrification of transportation.

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Research Interests

Spatial Analysis and visualization

  • Explore patterns and relationships in spatial data using both statistical and spatial analysis methods
  • Reveal real-world problems and gain insights into complex spatial phenomena

Large-scale micro simulation

  • Model complex systems at an individual level
  • Simulate the individual behavior and further explore the potential impacts and interventions on complex systems

Urban Freight Modelling

  • Game-theory and optimization of urban freight system
  • Developing behaviourally sensitive activity- and agent-based model to assess the collaboration between freight operators and customers

Fuel options for electric mobility

  • Investigate which fuel option (e.g., Hydrogen, electricity, etc.) is more feasible for the electrification of transportation
  • Systematic analysis from multi-perspectives(e.g., economic, level of service, environmental, etc.)

Education & Experience

Education

2024 - Present
Ph.D.

Engineering Science: Mechanical Engineering (Transportation)

CIB, KU Leuven

2021 - 2023
Master of Science

Geomatics (geographic information systems)

Graduated with Distinction
LSGI, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

2016 - 2020
Bachelor of Science

Land Resource Management

School of Resources and Environment, Southwest University

Experience

02.2023 - Current
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Full-time and Part-time Research Assistant

Assessing Local Environmental Benefits of Urban Transportation Electrification in Hong Kong

08.2022 - 02.2023
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Part-time Research Assistant

Smart Infrastructure Planning for Transportation Electrification

03.2022 - 08.2022
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Student Assistant

Developing Public Charging Facilities for Electric Vehicles: A Data-driven and Activity-based Approach

01.2021 - 06.2021
DiDi Chuxing (Chongqing)

Data Analyst Intern

Data analysis and visualisation using Python and MYSQL

Software

ArcGIS

Proficient

MS Office

Proficient

Matlab

Intermediate

MATSim

Intermediate

Coding Skills

Python

Proficient

MySQL

Proficient

Java

Intermediate

JavaScript

Intermediate

HTML / CSS

Intermediate

C

Novice

C++

Novice
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Data & Code

Data and Codes used in projects and papers
SM2023 Journal Paper

Generating Natural Cities Using 3D Road Network to Explore Living Structure: A Case Study in Hong Kong

IGWG2022 Conference Paper

Fuel and Infrastructure Options for Electrifying Public Transit: A Data-Driven Micro-Simulation Approach

Publication

Journal and Conference papers

Journal Paper

    Note: * is the corresponding author, # is the co-first author

  • Attention and Attitudes of Chinese Social Media Users towards Autonomous Vehicles: Sentimental, Statistical and Spatiotemporal Perspectives

    Yuan Li, Shengyou Wang, JHCG Tang, Zhenhan Peng, Chengxiang Zhuge*,
    Transportation (Accepted)

  • Public Attention and Attitudes towards Bike-sharing in China: A text Mining Approach

    Yuan Li, Shengyou Wang, JHCG Tang, Zhenhan Peng, Chengxiang Zhuge*,
    Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment DOI:10.1016/j.trd.2024.104348

  • Fuel and Infrastructure Options for Electrifying Public Transit: A Data-driven Micro-simulation Approach

    Zhenhan Peng, Zhuowei wang, Shiqi Wang, Anthony Chen, Chengxiang Zhuge*,
    Applied Energy DOI:10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123577

  • An Analytical Framework for Assessing Equitable Access to Public Electric Vehicle Chargers

    Zhenhan Peng, MWH Wang, Xiong Yang, Anthony Chen, Chengxiang Zhuge*,
    Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment DOI:10.1016/j.trd.2023.103990

  • Seasonal Variance in Electric Vehicle Charging Demand and Its Impacts on infrastructure Deployment: A Big Data Approach

    Xiong Yang#, Zhenhan Peng#, Pinxi Wang, Chengxiang Zhuge*,
    Energy DOI:10.1016/j.energy.2023.128230

  • A Data-driven Multi-objective Optimization Framework for Determining the Suitability of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles in Freight Transport

    Shiqi Wang, Zhenhan Peng, Anthony Chen, Chengxiang Zhuge*,
    Applied Energy DOI:10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121452

  • Generating Natural Cities Using 3D Road Network to Explore Living Structure: A Case Study in Hong Kong

    Zhiyang Xiao, Zhenhan Peng, Zidong Yu, Xintao Liu*
    Smart cities DOI:10.3390/smartcities6030070


Conference/Workshop

  • Are Cargo Bikes a Truly Viable Alternative? An Agent-Based Modeling Approach to Evaluate Its Lifecycle Impacts.

    Zhenhan Peng*, Johan W. Joubert
    Transportation Research symposium 2025 (Presentation)

  • Urban freight impact of restricted access: A Case Study of Leuven.

    Zhenhan Peng*, Johan W. Joubert
    City Logistics 2025 (Presentation)

  • Fuel and Infrastructure Options for Electrifying Public Transit: A Data-driven Micro-simulation Approach

    Zhenhan Peng*, Zhuowei wang, Shiqi Wang, Anthony Chen, Chengxiang Zhuge,
    Best Presentation Award
    IGWG 2022 (Presentation)