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Fu, Carol; Lin, Jason; Marcus, Michelle; Cui, Tom

Electrifying transportation is a necessary part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to mitigate global climate change. Electric buses are gaining popularity worldwide, in urban and rural communities alike. This research, conducted in partnership with the 2 Degrees Institute, aims to explore pathways towards electrifying the transit system on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia with the goal of implementing a fully electric fleet earlier than the current deadline of 2040. The project will employ life-cycle cost analysis to determine the most financially feasible charging method and use a numerical algorithm to optimize bus schedules in order to accommodate charging time and minimize demand charges. The report also provides recommendations for potential strategies to increase transit ridership on the Sunshine Coast based on a literature review. The results suggest that: (1) the demand charge for a fully electric fleet will be 625 kW; (2) the charging schedule can be optimized by charging 2 groups of electric buses at 2 different time periods; (3) fast charging has the lowest life-cycle cost due to smaller batteries and reduced number of chargers required; (4) strategies to increase ridership include service expansion, park-and-ride facilities, fare reduction of student and senior monthly passes and the revision of the DayPASS-on-Board program. The report findings may be used by the Sunshine Coast as well as other jurisdictions - especially rural regions - as a model for electric transit implementation.

Text

University of British Columbia. ENVR 400

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0390279

Science, Faculty of; Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of

Undergraduate

DSpace