Analysis of Energy Requirements for Massive Integration of Electric Buses in Ambato City, Ecuador

Ecuador’s Energy Efficiency Law mandates that “as of 2030, all vehicles incorporated into urban public transport services must be electric”. This legal framework sets the stage for the country’s transition to electric mobility. This research examines the energy requirements for transitioning Ambato’s public bus fleet to electric vehicles, considering various technical and operational factors. The analysis evaluates the current fleet size, the expected lifespan of buses, daily operational hours, average speed, and the specific characteristics of the city’s public transport routes. Furthermore, this study delves into the technical aspects of energy consumption in electric public transport by calculating the driving force necessary to operate buses across different terrains and routes. Factors such as bus weight, passenger load, road gradient, and acceleration patterns are analyzed to assess their impact on energy consumption and vehicle range. Additionally, this study investigates the potential for regenerative braking and the necessary charging infrastructure, offering a comprehensive assessment of how these systems would function within Ambato. By forecasting future vehicle requirements and projecting growth in urban mobility, this study estimates the total energy demand for a fully electric public bus fleet. The potential for integrating renewable energy sources into the city’s grid is also explored, ensuring that the transition to electric mobility not only decreases reliance on fossil fuels but also supports cleaner energy sources. This research serves as a crucial step in understanding the infrastructure and policy changes required for the successful implementation of electric public transport in Ambato and similar Ecuadorian cities.