Today, most public bus companies operate diesel-powered vehicles or diesel-electric hybrids. In light of legal requirements and social responsibility, operators are committed to significantly reducing emissions from fossil fuels and ultimately eliminating them altogether.
As part of a comprehensive study, Helbling analysed options for fully electrifying the Chur Bus fleet. Alongside assessing requirements and designing the charging infrastructure, our work included developing an energy management concept that ensures economical operation while remaining compatible with the power grid.
A key focus was the integration of peak shaving strategies to prevent load spikes and optimise energy costs. The resulting charging infrastructure concept allows flexible scaling in parallel with the transition to electric operation, supports the integration of renewable energy sources, and reduces operating costs through targeted load distribution.
A second area of emphasis was exploring ways to utilise waste heat from the electrical systems.
Within the framework of the "Energy Strategy 2050 in Public Transport" funding programme, we also produced a practical guide to fleet electrification. This guide demonstrates how a systematic approach combined with technological expertise can enable a sustainable, future-proof mobility solution for public transport.
Key figures
- 3 evaluated charging infrastructure scenarios including connection supply
- Fleet comprising 38 vehicles
- 15 bus routes with different profiles
- 87.5% reduction in CO₂ emissions per year (2,687 tonnes)
- 51% reduction in grid connection capacity through load management & battery
- 46,000 CHF/year savings through solar system in combination with battery
- 2028 to 2035 Fleet conversion period
Our Contribution
- Energy simulation
- System modelling
- Cost accounting
- 3D infrastructure modelling
- Scenario comparison and Monte Carlo simulations
- Guidelines for cost-optimised load distribution
- Possible application of electric road systems (ERS)
- Heat flow analysis
- Comprehensive energy concept for vehicles, battery storage and PV systems
- Guideline "Fleet electrification for bus companies"
Outcome
During the course of the project, possibilities were identified for making the transition to a fully electric bus fleet efficient, sustainable and reliable.
The results of this work are documented in the guide "Fleet electrification for bus companies" – a practice-oriented handbook that was created as part of the ESöV programme of the Federal Office of Transport (BAV). The guide offers concrete recommendations for action, technical basics and strategic approaches for transport companies that want to successfully electrify their fleets.
Contact
Cases
Internationales Unternehmen der Papierindustrie – Analyse des Dampfsystems
Industries:
Services:
Cases
6-Streifenausbau Aarau Ost – Verzweigung Birrfeld – Bauherrenunterstützung
Industries:
Services:
