A recent study conducted by researchers at Concordia University reveals that implementing a fleet of fully electric buses could save the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) $3,500 per day. Led by Xuelin Tian, the research team, which includes experts from Concordia and Université Laval in Quebec City, focused on assessing the efficiency of electric buses in Montreal’s challenging winter climate.
Tian emphasized the importance of transitioning to decarbonize public transportation while ensuring reliable service in regions like Montreal, where extreme cold weather poses unique challenges. The study found that cold temperatures increase the demand for heating in electric buses and reduce battery performance, affecting energy consumption and regenerative braking efficiency.
Analyzing data collected from 40 fully electric Flyer XE40 buses operating on 56 routes, the researchers discovered that electric buses consume more energy in winter compared to summer, with a 26% increase in consumption during cold weather. Despite higher energy usage, electric buses still proved to have 40-60% lower operating costs than diesel vehicles, making them a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly option.
The study also highlighted the impact of terrain on energy consumption, noting that inclines had minimal influence due to the principles of physics governing energy use. Electric buses outperformed diesel vehicles and hybrid buses in terms of operating costs, with diesel buses having the highest daily expenses, especially in winter.
While the initial cost of electric buses remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption, the STM aims to transition to a fully electric fleet by 2040, purchasing 140 electric buses annually to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.
