An innovative decision-making method for choosing a bus fleet based on logistics and sustainability aspects

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has played a significant role due to their much smaller carbon footprint compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. This trend also applies to public transportation in Hungary, where battery electric buses (BEBs) are gradually being incorporated into the fleets of major passenger transport operators. In assessing the total cost of ownership (TCO) of these vehicles, factors such as the expected daily mileage, the current price, capacity, lifecycle, and degradation of the integrated drive train batteries—typically lithium-ion based—play a significant role. This is also considered, if the batteries' second life and reuse can significantly improve the TCO value. Based on the examination of domestic and international literature, it can be established that the selection of the appropriate vehicle fleet exclusively considers the TCO value, which disregards neither the significant benefits arising from the batteries' secondary life cycle, nor considering various quality indicators. This deficiency in fleet selection could result incorrect decisions. In our opinion, the consideration of both logistical and sustainability aspects is indispensable in the decision-making process. To prove this, the paper presents an innovative decision-making method developed by us, which considers the effects of battery degradation related to the secondary life cycle and key quality indicators when selecting the ideal fleet meeting the expected mileage performance. To validate the theoretical background, a case study was also prepared, which is included in the paper. The article also contains considerations related to the topic by Volánbusz Zrt.