An assessment of the energy performance of battery-electric buses in hot environments

Abstract

Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) are drawing increasing interest as a viable option for sustainable heavy-duty vehicles with reduced emissions. However, their widespread adoption is facing several obstacles, including significant operational limitations engendered by their driving range and the availability of charging infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive evaluation of BEBs’ energy consumption (EC), accounting for factors like charging requirements, mileage, and battery specifications. This work analyzes the actual EC of four BEB types in Qatar through a real-world testing campaign involving an extensive testing program assessing the EC of the various subsystems, i.e., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, driveline, and auxiliary, under diverse operating conditions using on-board telematics. In addition, a forecasting simulation model is developed to account for Qatar’s distinctive weather and climate conditions, providing a useful comparison with the real-world case study. Specifically, the study examines how the region’s soaring temperatures will impact on BEBs’ driving range, while the comparative analysis presents a fascinating exploration of the disparities between the actual on-road scenario and the meticulously simulated environment.