Inductive power transfer (IPT) systems offer a promising solution to multiple major hurdles associated with electric vehicles, such as the lack of widespread charging infrastructure, driving range anxiety, and significant charging time. With the aid of IPT systems, dynamic wireless charging enables electric vehicles to be charged when running over the IPT power pads. The objective of this study is to minimise the overall cost of charging infrastructure by optimising the deployment of IPT transmitters and the battery size required to support charging for electric buses. A mixed‐integer linear programming model is proposed and solved using the commercial solver Gurobi. Bus route information and the characteristics of electric buses, such as weight, drag coefficient and frontal area, are used as input to run the traffic simulation in SUMO to get time‐varying velocity and acceleration data during bus operations. A bus route in Auckland, New Zealand, is used as a case study in the presented numerical experiments. A strong correlation between the velocity of the bus and the state of charge is identified. The largest cost component is the charging pad, followed by the battery.

The transport sector contributes nearly 20% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions, making it crucial for interventions to meet the 2050 net-zero target. Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) presents a sustainable solution but poses challenges in electricity distribution due to unpredictable EV charging behaviours. This research addresses these challenges by developing three mathematical models that optimise EV charging patterns, manage power flow along distribution lines and incorporate battery storage systems. Using the Tāmaki area as a case study, the models analyse total energy demand and optimal battery storage size, revealing that a 3.49 MWh battery system could mitigate the projected 2040 peak daily grid energy demand of 541.5 MWh and avoid costly power line upgrades. The study also introduces a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration model, showcasing its potential to reduce grid dependence and improve energy utilisation. The findings provide critical insights for Auckland’s electricity distribution companies, supporting strategic asset upgrades and offering evidence-based guidance for government policies on EV adoption. In summary, this research provides innovative solutions for optimising EV charging infrastructure, benefiting utility companies and policymakers by informing data-driven decisions. The comprehensive approach, which includes power flow, battery storage, and V2G technology, presents a scalable framework for international cities facing similar challenges, promoting global sustainable transport solutions towards achieving international climate targets and sustainable urban development.