Electrifying Istanbul’s Public Bus Fleet: Challenges and Decision Factors

Public buses play a key role in sustainable urban mobility, and electrification of public buses has recently gained pace around the world as part of achieving net-zero emission targets and decarbonisation efforts. There are challenges, however, in electrifying bus fleets from choosing the right charging technology to adjusting service planning, scheduling and depot management practices. Contextual factors such as climate, topography, financial capacity, government support, etc. also play a key role in understanding and managing these challenges. In this article, Istanbul’s bus fleet electrification efforts along with its challenges and barriers are examined. Istanbul’s sustainable urban mobility plan (SUMP), issued in 2022, sets out net-zero emission targets as well as bus fleet electrification targets. By analysing Istanbul’s current urban mobility in terms of its sustainability in light of this key planning document, the paper discusses key considerations and decision factors for Istanbul’s bus fleet electrification.