Electric Bus: An Innovative Mode of Transportation that can Tackle Rapid Climatic Changes

Climate change is becoming an unavoidable concern for countries all across the globe. As per the research, transportation is the largest source of harmful emissions which contributes a greater percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions. In urban areas, the reliance of people on public transport is more and these buses emit smog which leads to degraded air quality standards and drives up asthma rates across many nations. Nowadays, more crowds are moving towards cities, this indicates more number of cars or other vehicles and which will cause more air pollution. Electrification of buses can become a great initiative to tackle the increasing rate of air pollution and provide invaluable public health benefits.

With the advancement of e-mobility services and an increase in the number of electric buses, the global electric bus charging infrastructure market is predicted to observe remarkable growth in the approaching years. The market is anticipated to garner a revenue of $18,754.3 million and grow at a CAGR of 30.9% throughout the estimated timeframe from 2022 to 2030. The major players of the market include Alstom SA, ChargePoint Inc., ABB Ltd., BYD Auto Co. Ltd, Efacec, and many more.  

What are the Major Benefits of Developing Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure across Nations?

Apart from helping countries maintain zero-carbon emissions, electric buses impart various other benefits. Some of them are discussed below:

• Greater Fuel Efficiency: Depending on studies and research, it is found that electric buses are four times more fuel efficient as compared to buses run on petrol or other compressed natural gas.
• Climate Friendly: Electric buses are the cleanest form of mobility. Unlike fuel-based buses, electric buses deliver zero carbon to the atmosphere. Moreover, as many grids are incorporating cleaner sources of electricity, electric bus charging infrastructure will be continuing to get cleaner in the coming days.

• Multiple Options for Overnight and On-Route Charging: There are commonly two charging options for electric buses which are as follows:
  • • On-Route Charging: This includes overhead chargers and wireless chargers that can be used to charge buses at bus stops and bus terminals
    • Plug-In Chargers: These particular chargers are commonly used in depots
• Expanding Bus Ranges with Reducing Battery Prices: The newly designed electric buses can cover a minimum distance of 150 miles and a maximum distance of 275 to 300 miles on a single charge. In addition, the price of lithium-ion batteries is falling as compared to the last few years and it is expected that in the forthcoming years, the battery costs are expected to account for a minimal percentage of the bus price.
• Lower Maintenance and Operation Cost: As in electric buses, there are fewer moving parts, which makes electric buses hundreds and thousands of less expensive to fuel and maintain over their lifetime. This factor is expected to boost the development of electric bus charging infrastructure.
• Availability of Several Financial Options to Purchase Electric Buses: There exist many transit agencies that can make use of various funds and programs such as the No Emission Vehicle Program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program and Volkswagen Settlement funds to support transition efforts. Nowadays, many manufacturers offer various bus and battery leasing programs that reduce upfront costs for many transit agencies.

What is the Future of Electric Buses?

With the growing environmental and cost benefits of adopting electric buses as a medium of transport, the electric bus charging infrastructure market is expected to continue exponential growth in the upcoming years. Recently, many countries including Los Angeles, California, and New York City’s MTA have doubled down their commitments to full fleet electrification in the ahead years. Moreover, the continuous development and incorporation of modern technologies are expected to make electric buses a smoother, faster, and cleaner mode of transport in the coming years.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.