De-Carbonization of our National Bus Depots

Decarbonizing bus fleets presents both opportunities and challenges in the US, and globally. In this session, we will discuss the key opportunities and challenges associated with this endeavor. The top three opportunities for the transit industry are underpinned by a) environmental benefits, b) cost savings, and c) technological innovation. Decarbonizing bus fleets offers significant environmental advantages by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Furthermore, transitioning to electric buses could also provide long-term cost savings to the industry. It also creates opportunities for technological innovation and job creation. For example, the development and adoption of electric bus technologies spur advancements in battery storage, charging infrastructure, and energy management systems. This fosters economic growth, encourages research and development, and generates new job opportunities in clean energy sectors. The path to above strategic opportunities requires overcoming the challenges associated with infrastructure development, upfront costs, and charging range constraints. One of the significant challenges in decarbonizing bus fleets is the need for extensive charging infrastructure. Electric buses require an adequate network of charging stations, including both depots charging and on-route charging options. Expanding the charging infrastructure across the country requires significant investments and coordination among various stakeholders, including transit agencies, utility companies, and local governments. Electric buses also tend to have higher upfront costs compared to traditional diesel or natural gas buses. While the operational costs of electric buses are lower, the initial purchase price can be a barrier for transit agencies, especially those with limited budgets. Funding and financial incentives are necessary to support the transition to electric bus fleets and mitigate the upfront costs. Electric buses’ range and charging time can present challenges for transit operations. The range limitations of electric buses may necessitate adjustments to routes, scheduling, and infrastructure planning. Efficient charging solutions must be implemented to minimize downtime and ensure the availability of charged buses during peak operational hours. Overcoming these constraints requires careful planning and collaboration between transit agencies and charging infrastructure providers. Addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities will be crucial in successfully decarbonizing bus fleets in the US, contributing to a more sustainable and cleaner transportation system. Co-sponsored by: IEEE Power and Energy Soceity Speaker(s): Masjood Jafri, Agenda: 12:00 pm PDT IEEE Announcements 12:02 pm PDT IEEE Introduction of Speaker 12:04 pm PDT Presentation 12:45 pm PDT Q&A Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/365525