Optimal configuration of hydrogen- and battery-based electric bus transit systems

Electric bus transit is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decreasing fossil fuel reliance, and combating climate change. However, the transition to electric-powered buses demands a comprehensive plan for optimal resource allocation, technology choice, infrastructure deployment, and component sizing. This study develops system configuration optimization models for battery electric buses (BEBs) and hydrogen fuel cell buses (HFCBs), minimizing all related costs (i.e., capital and operational costs). These models optimize component sizing of the charging/refueling stations, fleet configuration, and energy/fuel management system in three operational schemes: BEBs opportunity charging, BEBs overnight charging, and electrolysis-powered HFCBs overnight refueling. The results indicate that the BEB opportunity system is the most economically viable choice. Meanwhile, HFCB requires a higher cost (134.5%) and produces more emissions (215.7%) than the BEB overnight charging system. A sensitivity analysis indicates that a significant reduction in the HFCB unit and electricity costs is required to compete economically with BEB systems.