A recent study published in the Journal of Urban Mobility sheds light on the electrification of local public transport, presenting a new Decision Support Tool (DST) designed to help cities strategize their electric charging networks. Led by Brunella Caroleo from Fondazione LINKS, the research focuses on how urban areas, specifically Turin, Italy, can effectively transition to electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure.
The DST aims to assist decision-makers in understanding the potential impacts of electric mobility on a city’s electric distribution network. This is crucial as cities worldwide are increasingly looking to reduce their carbon footprints and enhance public transport efficiency. The tool evaluates various scenarios for the development of electric charging infrastructure, taking into account the collaboration between local public transport operators and energy providers.
The findings from the Turin case study are particularly noteworthy. By 2030, it’s estimated that the energy demand for electrified local public transport could reach around 45 MWh on a typical weekday, assuming that 40% of the bus fleet is electric. If the entire fleet transitions to electric, that demand could double to 90 MWh. This highlights a significant shift in energy requirements that city planners and energy providers need to prepare for.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the study is the emphasis on charging strategies. Caroleo notes, “More distributed recharging during the day can dampen the energy/power peaks required at the depot compared to overnight recharging alone.” This means that implementing intermediate charging stations at bus terminuses could lead to a reduction of up to 27% in energy demand at depots. Such insights present commercial opportunities for energy providers to develop innovative charging solutions that align with the needs of urban transport systems.
For energy companies, the implications of this research are vast. As cities adopt electric buses, there will be an increased demand for smart charging infrastructure that can manage energy loads more efficiently. This presents an opportunity for energy firms to invest in and develop technologies that facilitate these charging networks, ensuring they can meet the evolving needs of urban transit.
In summary, the research led by Brunella Caroleo at Fondazione LINKS offers valuable insights into the electrification of public transport. By providing a structured approach to assess the impacts of electric mobility, it equips city planners and energy providers with the tools necessary to create a sustainable and efficient urban transport system. As cities like Turin pave the way for electrification, the energy sector stands to benefit significantly from these developments.
