Analysing the factors of bus transport operations influencing the energy consumption of electric buses in real world for sustainable transport strategies

Purpose In any public transit system composed of electric buses, the bus transport operating parameters tend to influence their energy consumption. However, it is essential to know which parameters are the influential ones and how they are influencing the energy consumption of the electric buses. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the transport-related operational aspects of the electric bus transit system. Design/methodology/approach This study presents the actual world data of the energy consumption of electric buses and analyses the influences of the bus transport operations on the same using panel regression analysis. The data collected from six bus depots in a city are analysed depot-wise. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the complete electric urban transit system is presented, followed by a framework to examine the parameters that influence the energy consumption of electric buses. A further framework is proposed to show how the electricity consumption of electric buses can be optimised. Findings The panel regression analysis, conducted for the real-world data collected over six depots of the public transit system composed of electric buses, indicates that the number of passengers have a positive impact on their energy consumption as compared to their mileage. With increased energy consumption, the earnings of the transit system are seen reducing. Therefore, the authors propose recommendations to increase the earnings to make the system financially more viable. Originality/value The study is one of its kind in the Indian context. It is based on real-world data collected over a period of 12 months from the six depots of the public transit system of a city composed of electric buses. The model is easily replicable and deployable to big bus networks if longitudinal data are obtained from the bus transit operators.