A global, hybrid life cycle sustainability assessment of alternative fuel buses: Supporting decision making for sustainability and eco-efficiency
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2026
Subject Area
mode - bus, place - asia, place - urban, infrastructure - vehicle, technology - alternative fuels, policy - sustainable, policy - environment
Keywords
Alternative fuel buses, data envelopment analysis, life cycle sustainability assessment, principal component analysis, sustainability performance
Abstract
Lower life cycle costs are often seen as an indicator of sustainability but do not always align with higher eco-efficiency. This study evaluates the sustainability and eco-efficiency of 13 city bus brands, including electric, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, focusing on environmental, socio-economic, and life cycle cost impacts. A hybrid Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) model, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), was applied to assess 34 buses in Qatar’s transportation system. The study finds that solar-powered electric buses from Turkey and India, along with CNG buses from Germany, Spain, and Sweden, offer the most sustainable options. However, lower life cycle costs do not guarantee higher eco-efficiency. The study recommends prioritizing solar-powered electric and high-performing CNG buses for policy support in public transport.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Taylor&Francis, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Elagouz, N., Onat, N. C., Kucukvar, M., Bulak, M. E., Kutty, A. A., Abulibdeh, A., & Zaidan, E. (2026). A global, hybrid life cycle sustainability assessment of alternative fuel buses: Supporting decision making for sustainability and eco-efficiency. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 20(6), 545-564.
