Evaluation of different energy storage systems for electric bus operation

Abstract

Operational trials of battery electric buses (BEBs) have begun on different scales around the world, and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are usually selected as their power source. In this study, different Li-ion-based energy storage systems were evaluated for electric bus operation. Technical visits were conducted to study the features and performance of BEBs in different cities. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), and lithium titanate (LTO) were found to be the most common types of Li-ion batteries adopted for BEBs. The characteristics of these three types of Li-ion batteries are reviewed together with their charging and operation modes. LFP was found to have the highest energy consumption, and LTO had the lowest. The evaluation results show that LTO with the opportunity charging mode is the best choice of energy storage systems for BEBs, particularly in densely populated Asian cities.