Abstract

The decarbonisation of the transport sector is central to the UK's net-zero strategy. This study evaluates the economic viability of depot-charged single-decker electric bus fleets by integrating vehicle, crew, and charging scheduling into a total cost of ownership analysis. Our results indicate that today's electrified bus fleets are roughly cost comparable to their traditional diesel counterparts. However, the cost disparity varies depending on the timetabling scenario, such that smaller operations continue to require subsidisation. We conclude that further battery price reductions and a more targeted subsidy system are critical to bridging the cost gap between the two propulsion technologies in a way which maximises taxpayers' value for money.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)493-508
Number of pages16
JournalTransport Policy
Volume162
Early online date28 Dec 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Dec 2024

Data Availability Statement

Data will be made available on request.

Funding

Jac McCluskey is supported by a scholarship from the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (AAPS), under the project EP/S023364/1.

Keywords

  • Battery electric buses
  • Crew scheduling
  • Total cost of ownership
  • UK transport policy
  • Vehicle scheduling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Transportation
  • Law

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