Farhang Motallebiaraghi

Background

About

Engineer and researcher specializing in electric mobility, Mobile DC Fast Chargers (MDCFCs), and autonomous vehicle systems. Experienced in hardware integration, optimization modeling, and collaboration across academia, government, and industry partners.

Work Experience

Postdoctoral Scholar,
Feb, 2024 - Present
Lead research on Mobile DC Fast Chargers (MDCFCs) for Caltrans fleet electrification, including system design, cost modeling, and routing optimization.
- Conducted co-design optimization of charger sizing and routing using Python, MATLAB, and Google OR-Tools.
- Led hardware selection and Hardware-in-the-Loop testing for Keysight RP7900 and FreeWire Boost 200 systems.
- Instrumented EVs with GNSS, IMU, and LiDAR sensors for autonomous-control testing and demonstration.
- Coordinated field demonstrations with Caltrans, NREL, and industry partners.
- Mentored undergraduate and graduate researchers in simulation and experimental EV studies.
PhD Research Assistant,
Aug, 2019 - Jun, 20233 years 11 months
Developed predictive eco-driving and powertrain control algorithms for energy-efficient connected vehicles under U.S. DOE-funded projects.
- Modeled and validated machine-learning-based emission and fuel-economy predictors.
- Integrated dynamic-programming energy-management strategies into NREL FastSim for multi-vehicle analysis.
- Published over 10 peer-reviewed papers on predictive control and electrified mobility.
Technical Sales and Applications Engineer,
Oct, 2015 - Jul, 20182 years 10 months
Provided engineering design and technical support for steam and thermal systems in the oil & gas sector.
- Delivered client presentations and coordinated cross-functional project implementation.

Skills

Programming & Modeling
Python

MATLAB

C++

Google OR-Tools

ROS2

CARLA

Simulink
Hardware Integration & Testing
Keysight RP7900

FreeWire Boost 200

CAN Bus

GNSS/IMU/LiDAR Systems

HIL Testing
Data Analysis & Optimization
Energy Modeling

Routing Optimization

Machine Learning

Dynamic Programming
Professional & Collaboration Tools
MS Office

Google Workspace

Canva

Box

Slack

Education

Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D., Western Michigan University
Aug, 2019 - Jun, 2023
3.88
Autonomous Vehicles

Predictive Control

Machine Learning for Transportation
Mechanical Engineering, M.Sc., Iran University of Science and Technology
- Jul, 2015
Mechanical Engineering, B.Sc., Semnan University
- Sep, 2012

Volunteer Work

Vice President, Persian Student Organization – Western Michigan University
Aug, 2021 - Aug, 2022
Organized academic and cultural events, managed logistics and budgeting, and promoted graduate student professional development.
- Led outreach initiatives improving international student engagement and campus inclusion.
Research Mentor, UC Davis AHMCT Center
Feb, 2024 - Present
Guided undergraduate and graduate students on autonomous-vehicle simulation, hardware integration, and research presentation skills.

Publications

Real-time implementation comparison of urban eco-driving controls , IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology
Published on: Jan 01, 2023
Compared control architectures for urban eco-driving in connected and automated vehicles.
Development and Evaluation of Velocity Predictive Optimal Energy Management Strategies in Intelligent and Connected Hybrid Electric Vehicles , Energies Journal
Published on: Jan 01, 2022
Proposed a predictive control framework for connected hybrid electric vehicles integrating traffic data.
Identifying and Assessing Research Gaps for Energy Efficient Control of Electrified Autonomous Vehicle Eco-driving , Springer – Automotive Cyber-Physical Systems
Published on: Jan 01, 2023
Book chapter summarizing eco-driving optimization research gaps and control strategies.
Autonomous Eco-Driving Evaluation of an Electric Vehicle on a Chassis Dynamometer , SAE World Congress Experience
Published on: Jan 01, 2023
Experimental validation of autonomous eco-driving algorithms using dynamometer testing.

Interests

Sustainable Mobility Research
Transportation ElectrificationAutonomous SystemsOptimization Modeling