Analysis of traction battery performance in urban electric transport

Objective: to investigate the performance of battery energy storage systems deployed in St. Petersburg’s urban ground electric transport, aimed at identifying innovative measures to improve system performance and operational reliability of the city transport systems. Methods: a comprehensive comparative analysis was undertaken, focusing on the key performance parameters of three traction battery types employed in urban electric transport: nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4), and lithium- titanate (LTO). Key parameters were assessed, including service life of the storage systems, energy storage capacity, cycle life (number of charge-discharge cycles), charge and discharge rates, fire safety attributes, and economic factors. Special emphasis was placed on the prospects for deploying trolleybuses with an extended off-wire (autonomous) range (ERTs) on the streets of St. Petersburg. Results: the findings have demonstrated the superiority of lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) traction batteries relative to other types of batteries due to their prolonged service life, stable operational characteristics, and an advantageous balance of cost and performance. Priority areas for further development of electrical energy storage devices have been identified, including increased specific energy density, reduced heat generation during charging, improved thermal and fire resistance of materials, ensuring environmentally responsible recycling of end-of-life units, and lowering lifecycle operating costs of the storage systems. Practical significance: the findings of this study provide a basis for informed decision-making regarding the selection of a particular traction-battery type for equipping urban electric transport in St. Petersburg. Energy storage systems likewise support the formulation of a modernization strategy for the city’s existing transport infrastructure, facilitating reduced energy consumption, improved environmental quality, and advancement toward sustainable development.