What is it about?
In our research, we explored the environmental impact of different types of buses used in major Spanish cities. We looked at how hybrid and electric buses compare to regular diesel buses in terms of their carbon footprint throughout their entire lifecycle. This includes everything from manufacturing to daily use to their eventual disposal. Surprisingly, while electric buses show promise in reducing CO₂ emissions, they also face challenges related to their driving range and initial costs. We even predicted how their impact might change in the future as electricity grids become cleaner. Our goal is to help cities make informed decisions about their public transportation systems, aiming for more eco-friendly options without compromising efficiency or cost-effectiveness.
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Photo by Noel Wangler on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Our research unveils a groundbreaking methodology for evaluating real-life emissions of hybrid and electric buses on specific transit routes. Unlike prior studies, we precisely simulate these buses' carbon footprints in actual driving conditions, offering unprecedented insights into their energy efficiency, costs, and CO₂ reductions. This pioneering approach not only forecasts future decarbonization potential but also sets a new standard for assessing sustainable transit technologies, crucial for guiding global transportation policies and fostering eco-friendly urban mobility.
Perspectives
Writing this article was an incredible journey that pushed the boundaries of traditional emissions analysis in the transportation sector. Collaborating with experts in the field enabled us to pioneer a methodology that delves deep into the real-world impact of hybrid and electric buses. What's truly rewarding is the potential this research holds in shaping the future of urban transit policies globally. Moreover, envisioning the practical implications of our findings on reducing CO₂ emissions while considering the evolving electricity grids adds a layer of excitement to this work. I genuinely hope this study sparks a new wave of interest in sustainable transportation and prompts further innovations in reducing our carbon footprint in urban landscapes.
Dr Javier Monsalve-Serrano
Universitat Politecnica de Valencia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Life cycle CO₂ footprint reduction comparison of hybrid and electric buses for bus transit networks, Applied Energy, February 2022, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.118354.
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