Electric public bus transport: A future for carbon-free and sustainable public transportation

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 9, 2022

Insight summary

Electric buses offer a promising solution to sustainable public transportation, despite initial costs and technical challenges. These buses not only reduce noise and air pollution, enhancing urban living conditions, but also offer lower operating costs and simpler maintenance. The shift towards electric buses can stimulate job creation, influence urban planning, and encourage governments to support renewable energy, making cities more attractive and fostering a healthier environment.

Electric public bus context

Electric public buses may have the answer to emission-free and sustainable public transportation. The transition from diesel fuel buses to electric buses has seen significant growth with an increase in global electric bus sales of 32 percent in 2018. However, the high cost of electric buses, growing technical issues, as well as expensive charging stations, may still hinder their global adoption. 

Electric public buses are similar to diesel and diesel-hybrid buses except that electric buses run 100 percent on electricity supplied by onboard batteries. Unlike diesel-powered buses, electric buses produce less noise, less vibration, and net exhaust. Moreover, electric buses have lower operating costs over the long term, and their streamlined engines are easier to maintain.

Electric buses were first adopted widely in China in the 2010s, but have witnessed significant adoption in other regions of the world including the US and Europe. As of 2020, more than 425,000 electric buses are in use, making up about 17 percent of the total global bus fleet. 

Disruptive impact

Electric buses, despite their initial high cost, present a long-term economic advantage for public transportation systems. The lower operating costs and easier maintenance of these vehicles can lead to significant savings over time. For instance, the absence of exhaust systems and complex engines reduces the need for regular servicing and part replacements. 

The transition to electric buses also presents an opportunity for cities to improve public health. Diesel buses, while only a small part of the global vehicle fleet, contribute significantly to urban air pollution. This pollution can lead to a variety of health issues among city dwellers, including respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases.

For governments and companies, the shift to electric buses can stimulate economic growth and job creation. The production of electric buses and the development of charging infrastructure can create new industries and employment opportunities. Additionally, companies that manufacture electric buses or supply components for them can benefit from increased demand. Governments can use this transition as an opportunity to meet environmental targets and demonstrate leadership in sustainable practices. This shift can also lead to increased energy independence, as cities rely less on imported fossil fuels and more on locally produced electricity.

Implications of electric public buses

Wider implications of electric public buses may include:

• A growing comfort and preference with electric vehicles among the public that uses public and coach/charter bus transport.
• An accelerated shift toward zero emissions in the transportation sector. 
• A reduction in parts and maintenance services for larger vehicles since electric vehicles have lower operating costs and maintenance needs.
• A reevaluation of urban planning principles, resulting in cities that prioritize clean transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure over car-centric designs.
• New job opportunities in electric vehicle manufacturing, charging station installation, and renewable energy production.
• Governments reassessing their energy policies, leading to greater support for renewable energy sources and a reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.
• More people choosing to live in cities that offer clean and efficient public transportation.
• Advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, leading to improvements in the range and efficiency of electric vehicles.
• A reduction in noise pollution in urban areas, resulting in quieter and more pleasant living environments for city residents.

Questions to consider

• What is the best way to transition from diesel buses to electric public buses?
• How long will it take to for electric buses to comprise 50 percent of the total US bus fleet?