Planning of Charging Infrastructure for Urban Public Electric Bus Fleets in India

The present paper proposes a detailed and effective framework for selecting charging technology(ies) for urban public electric bus (e-bus) fleets, embedded in India’s context. The study reviews the principal features of public bus transport networks in India’s Tier-I and Tier-II cities, to identify the route-specific charging requirements of an e-bus fleet. It is followed by examining various charging technologies available in India, to elucidate the feasible charging options for e-buses. Subsequently, the study attempts to zero in on the “most suitable” technology(ies) for satisfying the charging requirements of an urban public e-bus fleet, based on a detailed and effective Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis tool. The study finds that an urban public e-bus fleet can be charged at a depot during operating hours (of public transport) as well as overnight. For longer routes, en-route charging of buses may be necessary to avoid being stranded. The investigation concludes that cable-connected DC Fast Chargers are most suitable for charging an e-bus fleet at depot as well as en-route during operating hours. In addition, AC-II charging systems are most suitable for overnight e-bus charging. This investigation, and the accompanying framework can potentially facilitate logical and data-driven planning of charging infrastructure for urban public e-bus fleets in Indian cities. State Road Transport Undertakings, interested investors, urban local bodies, power utilities, charging infrastructure and automotive manufacturers, policymakers and other stakeholders are the targeted beneficiaries of this study.     «

The present paper proposes a detailed and effective framework for selecting charging technology(ies) for urban public electric bus (e-bus) fleets, embedded in India’s context. The study reviews the principal features of public bus transport networks in India’s Tier-I and Tier-II cities, to identify the route-specific charging requirements of an e-bus fleet. It is followed by examining various charging technologies available in India, to elucidate the feasible charging options for e-buses. Subseq...     »