Understanding Energy Footprints of the Existing School Bus Fleets - A Case Study

Vehicle electrification has emerged as a pivotal area of research across diverse industries. When applied to heavy-duty vehicles (i.e., school buses), it presents a unique opportunity for the automotive sector to lead sustainability efforts. Beyond energy savings, the electrification of school buses offers advantages such as improved children's health, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced green vehicle routing, inspiring broader adoption of eco-friendly practices. This study primarily aims to analyze the energy-saving effects and economic viability resulting from the electrification of existing school bus routes. Specifically, the research examines the drive cycles of operational bus routes and evaluates the energy demand and cost implications associated with transitioning from conventional buses (diesel buses) to electric buses or other alternative powertrains for fleet operations. Furthermore, we extend the scope of investigation by exploring optimal fleet composition, encompassing various bus types and powertrain options to maximize these benefits. To achieve the most significant energy-saving effects, we propose the development of a fleet composition framework that considers factors like powertrain options and the size(type) of the buses. The study is grounded in empirical research, focusing on central Ohio, as the target region, utilizing real-world operational data from school bus routes and bus specifications to enhance practicality and relevance. The analyzed data from current operations indicates that the daily energy requirements for each bus range from 13.46 kWh to a maximum of 350.07 kWh, with an average of 128.05 kWh. Through this research, we aim to provide valuable insights into school bus electrification and offer guidance on optimizing fleet composition to maximize energy efficiency and environmental benefits. In summary, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainability through school bus electrification and proposes methodologies for operating these fleets in a smarter and more environmentally conscious manner.