Journal of Earth Sciences and Geotechnical Engineering

Potential of In-Motion Charging Buses for the Electrification of Urban Bus Lines

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• Abstract

   

  Electric buses can help to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants and noise. One possible electric bus concept is the in-motion charger. As a combination of a trolleybus and a battery electric bus, the in-motion charger is able to operate relevant stretches in battery mode and therefore the amount of installed catenary wires can be significantly reduced. As a part of the German ‘Mobility and Fuels Strategy’ [2], the aim of the article’s underlying work was to identify possible applications for the in-motion charger. This included a comparison of the environmental and economic performance of the different traction systems of urban buses (in-motion charger, opportunity charger, overnight charger, fuel cell hybrid and diesel buses). The analysis focused on an urban bus line, running with articulated buses and is covering the whole lifespan of vehicles and infrastructure. The analysis showed that in a lifetime perspective all electric systems can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to buses fueled with fossil diesel. But even until 2025 the diesel bus will be the most economic bus technology under the assumed framework. In comparison with other electric buses, the in-motion charger is the most cost-effective bus system for high capacity lines.