Economic Analysis of On-Route Fast Charging for Battery Electric Buses: Case Study in Utah
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT; DOE/OSTI
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT
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.
- Research Organization:
- PacifiCorp, Portland, OR (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0007997
- OSTI ID:
- 1614088
- Journal Information:
- Transportation Research Record, Journal Name: Transportation Research Record Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 2673; ISSN 0361-1981
- Publisher:
- National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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