Economic Analysis of On-Route Fast Charging for Battery Electric Buses: Case Study in Utah
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2019
Subject Area
mode - bus, technology - alternative fuels, economics - capital costs, economics - operating costs, place - north america
Keywords
Battery electric buses (BEBs), driving range, on-route fast charging, capital costs
Abstract
Battery electric buses (BEBs) are increasingly being embraced by transit agencies as an energy-efficient and emission-free alternative to bus fleets. However, because of the limitations of battery technology, BEBs suffer from limited driving range, great battery cost, and time-consuming charging processes. On-route fast charging technology is gaining popularity as a remedy, reducing battery cost, extending driving range, and reducing charging time. With on-route fast charging, BEBs are as capable as their diesel counterparts in relation to range and operating time. However, transit agencies may have the following concerns about on-route fast charging: 1) on-route fast charging stations require massive capital costs; 2) on-route fast charging may lead to high electricity power demand charges; and 3) charging during peak hours may increase electricity energy charges. This study conducts a quantitative economic analysis of on-route fast charging for BEBs, thereby providing some guidelines for transit agencies. An integrated optimization model is first proposed to determine battery size, charger type, and recharging schedule for a general BEB route. Based on the model, an economic analysis of on-route fast charging is then performed on 10 real-world bus routes and a simplified general bus route with different parameters. The results demonstrate that given the current prices of on-route fast charging stations and batteries, it is always beneficial to install on-route fast charging stations for BEBs. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to show the impact of potential price reductions of batteries.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by SAGE, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Liu, Z., Song, Z., & He, Y. (2019). Economic Analysis of On-Route Fast Charging for Battery Electric Buses: Case Study in Utah. Transportation Research Record, Vol. 2673, pp. 119-130.
