Optimizing the Procurement and Deployment of Electric Buses from a Bus Company Perspective

Abstract

This study proposes a model for optimizing replacement and deployment of three types of buses, including diesel buses, first- and slow-charging electric buses, with consideration of bus age, recharging range, annual budget, and government subsidy. To examine the applicability of the proposed model, a case study on a bus company is conducted along with sensitive analyses on subsidy policy, annual budget, bus price and re-charging range. According to the case study results, diesel buses are the most economically advantageous. Without significantly improving the range of electric buses, buses would be almost impossible to electrify even with government massive subsidy.