December 2022-January-2023 - 29

T
here are a variety of characteristics
that will define the
carbon-neutral future, but
one stands out: Dramatically
increased reliance on electricity.
The transportation
sector presents a particularly
attractive opportunity to
make rapid progress in the fight
against climate change through
electrification.
The transportation sector, as
compared to other industries, is
especially reliant on fossil fuels
and is responsible for 37 percent
of CO2 emissions in the United
States, according to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration
(EIA). Electrifying this industry
would have a significant impact
on curbing the country's total
annual carbon emissions.
Moreover, one sub-segment
of the transportation market is
uniquely positioned for the transition
to green mobility: Electric
vehicles (EVs) and, more specifically,
bus fleets. There are a
variety of reasons for this. One
being buses have relatively high
fuel consumption since they
spend a significant amount of
time on the road. Approximately
65,000 buses are in operation
in the U.S., according to Statista,
and they contribute significantly
to air pollution, particularly in
urban areas. By shifting toward
battery-powered buses, public
transit agencies can reduce or
eliminate the use of fossil fuels
significantly and make positive
contributions toward air pollution
reductions in the communities
in which they operate.
The Route to Fleet
Electrification
Electric buses are increasingly
available from a wide variety of
manufacturers, and the business
case for using them is compelling.
They offer lower fuel costs, reduced
maintenance requirements and
are expected to remain in service
longer than their internal combustion
counterparts. Because
they travel on set routes, the optimization
of the charging infrastructure,
the vehicle batteries
and the power supply is relatively
easy compared to less predictable
forms of transport. However,
purchasing battery-powered
buses is one step in a much more
complex transition.
To start, transit agencies
can't afford to swap their traditional
buses for EV models all at
once. This transition will need
to take place over time, in line
with existing vehicle depreciation
and replacement schedules.
This means transit agencies will
need to gradually integrate EV
buses into their fleets, running
electric and internal combustion
vehicles side by side for years or
decades. They will also need to
modify their operational systems
and processes to accommodate
newly introduced EVs.
Vehicle charging systems will
need to be installed in existing
terminals (which often feature
challenging space limitations)
and potentially in other locations
along their route to top off. Rather
than installing a lot of standalone
charging pedestals, it may
be more appropriate to consider
a more long-term solution geared
toward charging large numbers
of vehicles.
Modular, customizable solutions
are increasingly available
and can serve multiple vehicles
simultaneously while offering a
more compact footprint. These
systems also tend to be easier
to install and have shorter
lead times for delivery, which
can help accelerate implementation.
They typically can also
scale up easily, providing fleet
operators with the opportunity
to start small, develop appropriate
systems and processes
and then expand their fleets as
circumstances allow.
37 percent
the U.S. transportation
industry's share of total
CO2 emissions
Credit: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Merging EVs into
Existing Fleets
and Processes
In a future where EVs become the
norm rather than the exception,
public transit agencies will face a
range of new variables they will
need to juggle. For instance, do
they need to invest in charging
infrastructure up front based on
their anticipated future demand
or can they stretch that investment
out over time? How will that
charging infrastructure fit into
" Because they travel on set
routes, the optimization of the
charging infrastructure, the vehicle
batteries and the power supply is
relatively easy compared to less
predictable forms of transport. "
their existing processes for things
like maintenance, scheduling,
depreciation and replacement,
vehicle condition monitoring
and repair? Do they have the
necessary power infrastructure
to support the additional demand
on the power grid?
Should they supplement with
battery storage to offset peak energy
demands (and lower costs)?
How can they automate energy
demands? How will the shift impact
their drivers, support staff
and mechanics? Do they have the
right skill sets in their personnel?
What kind of training programs
do they need to establish? These
DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 29
http://www.MassTransitmag.com
December 2022-January-2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2022-January-2023
