In the midst of Lebanon’s economic crisis and hyperinflation, a pressing need for a modern, efficient public transportation system has emerged. A recent study, published in the *International Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles*, explores the potential benefits of alternative-fuel bus technologies in this developing country context. The research, led by Marc Haddad from the Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering at the Lebanese American University, compares the energy use, emissions, and costs of natural gas, hybrid, and battery-electric buses against traditional diesel buses under real driving conditions.
The study considered four operating conditions: severe congestion, peak, off-peak, and bus rapid transit (BRT) operation. The findings reveal that battery-electric buses outperform other technologies in any traffic operation, but with a caveat. “Battery-electric buses are the best performers, but this is conditional on having a clean energy supply at the power plant and significant subsidy of bus purchase cost,” Haddad explains. This highlights the importance of infrastructure and policy support in facilitating the transition to electric buses.
Natural gas buses, while not providing significant greenhouse gas emission savings compared to diesel buses, offer substantial reductions in major pollutants harmful to human health. This is a crucial finding, as air pollution is a significant concern in many developing countries. The study also underscores the impact of climate-control auxiliaries on bus performance. Accounting for additional energy consumption in hot and cold weather can significantly affect the performance of all bus technologies, with electric buses seeing up to a 44.7% impact on average.
The research suggests that a vehicle mix of diesel, natural gas, and hybrid bus technologies is most feasible for Lebanon and similar developing countries. This is due to the lack of necessary infrastructure for a near-term transition to battery-electric technology. However, the study also shows that the performance of all considered bus technologies improves considerably in free-flowing traffic conditions, making BRT operation the most beneficial.
This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, bus operators, and energy providers in developing countries. It underscores the need for a tailored approach to public transportation, considering local conditions and infrastructure. As Haddad notes, “The most suitable technology mix will vary depending on the specific context, but our findings provide a solid foundation for decision-making.”
The research also has significant implications for the energy sector. As countries strive to reduce emissions and improve air quality, the demand for alternative-fuel vehicles is expected to grow. This study highlights the potential of natural gas and hybrid technologies in this transition, while also emphasizing the importance of clean energy supply for electric buses.
In the long run, this research could shape the development of public transportation systems in developing countries. By providing a comprehensive analysis of alternative-fuel bus technologies under real driving conditions, it offers a roadmap for reducing energy use, emissions, and costs. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, studies like this will be instrumental in guiding policy and investment decisions.