Electric buses: A review of alternative powertrains. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahmoud, Moataz; Garnett, Ryan; Ferguson, Mark; Kanaroglou, Pavlos
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 62(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 673
• Page End: 684
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: ATR Auto Thermal Reforming -- CAGR Compound Annual Growth Rate -- CNGHEB Compressed Natural Gas Hybrid Electric Bus -- DHEB diesel hybrid electric bus -- FCEB Fuel Cell Electric Bus -- GHEB gasoline hybrid electric bus -- GSR gas steam reforming -- GREET greenhouse gases, regulated emissions, and energy use in transportation -- HEB Hybrid Electric Bus -- H2-WE hydrogen - electrolysis of water -- MJ mega-joules -- NGSR natural gas steam reforming -- RED renewable energy directive -- UCs Ultra Capacitors -- TCO Total cost of ownership -- WTT Well-to-Tank -- BEB Battery Electric Bus -- CNGB Compressed Natural Gas Bus -- DB diesel bus -- EM electric motor -- GB gasoline bus -- GHG greenhouse gas -- H2-NGSR hydrogen - natural gas steam reforming -- ICE internal combustion engine -- NGCC Natural Gas Combined Cycle -- PHEV plugin hybrid electric vehicle -- SD single-deck bus -- USC Supercritical Steam Cycle -- TTW Tank-to-Wheel -- WTW Well-to-Wheel.; Electric bus -- Fuel cell -- Hybrid -- Well-to-Wheel review; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.05.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: Evidence suggests that the role of electric buses in public transit is important if we are to take steps to reduce climate change and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels. Several electric alternatives are currently operationalized, and the debate about which is most suitable is attracting considerable attention. This article provides a detailed review of various performance features for three categories of electric buses: hybrid, fuel cell, and battery. Economic, operational, energy, and environmental characteristics of each technology are reviewed in detail based on simulation models and operational data presented by various scholars in different contexts. The study develops a holistic assessment of electric buses based on side-by-side comparison of 16 features that best inform the decision making process. The review indicates that the selection process of electric technology is highly sensitive to operational context and energy profile. In addition, it highlights that hybrid buses will not provide a significant reduction in GHG and would be suitable only for short-term objectives as a stepping-stone towards full electrification of transit. Battery and fuel cell buses are arguably capable of satisfying the current operational requirements, yet initial investment remains a major barrier. Overnight Battery Electric Bus is advocated as the most suitable alternative for bus transit contexts given the expected improvements in battery technology and the trend to utilize sustainable sources in electricity generation.