A Planning Model for Battery-Operated Local Bus Transit System Considering Day Depot Charging Strategy

Battery electric buses (BEBs) are a better alternative to diesel buses for local transportation to cope with air pollution and the harmful effects of carbon emissions. However, the transition to electrification is associated with huge capital investment in BEBs, charging infrastructure based on the charging strategy used, and running charges other than the existing system, such as demand charges. In addition, these extra investments and charges impact the fare charges imposed on passengers. Therefore, concerning bus operators, investors, and grid operators, a planning framework model for BEBs is required that provides the technical and economic attributes. In this regard, this paper proposed a planning framework model opting for a day depot charging strategy. The proposed model is categorised into three parts: first, BEBs fleet size and trip frequency over a day based on route-specific requirements; second, technical assessment of the proposed charging strategy; and last, financial modelling. The insight results present detailed information on the above-mentioned categories that gives a strategic planning view to the bus operator and investors considering utility grid limitations. Furthermore, a case study on one existing bus route in Jaipur is performed to validate and test the proposed model.