With the impetus provided by phase I and II of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, many state transport undertakings (STUs) have started deploying electric buses (e-buses) in their fleet. However, there are considerable challenges that fleet operators face in doing so. The switch from traditional to e-buses involves a major transition to a not-yet-familiar area, mandating new technology considerations (for charging e-buses), as well as robust planning (to deal with the dynamic and complex operations of e-buses). A seamless transition to public e-mobility, thus, has two main requirements: an efficient charging infrastructure and a robust planning process.
In this context, the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) has developed a web-based planning tool ‘E-DEPOT’ (E-bus Depot Planning and Operations Tool) to help STUs and electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) in taking sound decisions regarding the deployment of e-buses. The tool provides multi-level analysis (at the schedule, depot, and operations level), with specific outputs at each level to guide the planning specific to that level.
You may read about Mobility Outlook's coverage of the same here.
