This feature is configurable via .json input, without the need for code customization and is available for both the Marketplace app and Platform. You can find a list of all available features here.
This how-to guide assumes you already completed the get started with vehicle routing tutorial.
| Field name | Required | Data type | SI Unit | Defined on | Example | Configurable via defaults |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
activation_penalty | No | int | NA | vehicle | {"activation_penalty": 1.23} | ✅ |
Vehicle activation penalties are used to apply a cost for using a vehicle. The activation or initialization of a vehicle can be useful if a vehicle isn't permanently in the fleet, but has to be rented, for example. This can also be useful if costs that incur from using a type of vehicle (e.g. truck) are higher than another type (e.g. bike). If this vehicle isn't needed in a solution, then the rental cost can be saved.
The activation_penalty is defined on vehicles and the total cost is added to the objective (value function).
Here is an example defining different costs for the vehicles. A sample output obtained after solving the problem is also shown.