a computer - implemented method includes establishing a road network model on which a plurality of simulated vehicles may be run . the method also includes setting up a plurality of scenarios under which vehicle driving conditions vary to be run on the road network model . the illustrative method includes receiving energy usage related data for a plurality of simulated vehicles run in at least one of the plurality of scenarios on the road network model . the method further includes calculating a total energy consumption for each of the vehicles . the method additionally includes repeating the receiving and calculating steps to determine how various elements of the road network model and scenarios effect vehicle energy consumption .