Design of urban electric bus systems. (7th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Göhlich, Dietmar; Fay, Tu-Anh; Jefferies, Dominic; Lauth, Enrico; Kunith, Alexander; Zhang, Xudong
• Is Part Of: Design science. Volume 4(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-08-07
• Subjects: urban electric bus systems, -- battery and charging technologies, -- bus system simulation model, -- economic analysis, -- total cost of ownership, -- technology selection; Design -- Research -- Periodicals; New products -- Management -- Periodicals; Design; Design -- Research; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 658.5752
• DOI: 10.1017/dsj.2018.10
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-4701

Abstract

Abstract : Many public transport authorities have a great interest in introducing zero-emission electric buses. However, the transformation process from diesel to electric bus systems opens up a vast design space which seems prohibitive for a systematic decision making process. We present a holistic design methodology to identify the 'most suitable system solution' under given strategic and operational requirements. The relevant vehicle technologies and charging systems are analysed and structured using a morphological matrix. A modular simulation model is introduced which takes technical and operational aspects into account. The model can be used to determine a feasible electric bus system. The technology selection is based on a detailed economic analysis which is conducted by means of a total cost of ownership (TCO) model. To cope with uncertainties in forecasting, a stochastic modelling of critical input parameters is applied and three different future scenarios are evaluated. The applicability of the model was verified in a pilot project in Berlin and the methodology was applied to a realistic operational scenario. Our results indicate that electric bus systems are technically feasible and can become economically competitive from the year 2025 under the conditions examined.