Feasibility study on the introduction of buses with alternative drive systems for the Untermain transport company

RLI scientists are developing and analysing electrification scenarios for the bus operations of Verkehrsgesellschaft Untermain as part of a subcontract from Deutsche Bahn subsidiary DB Energie.

Scenarios for the electrification of buses

In order to convert bus operations to alternative drive systems, the project team is first analysing the bus fleet, the conditions at the depots and the deployment plan. In a second step, the scientists develop possible scenarios to fulfil the requirements of the European Union’s Clean Vehicle Directive (CVD) for switching to alternative drive systems. These scenarios reflect the transport company’s short-term and medium-term strategy.

Modelling and simulation of bus operation

In order to generate a reliable and resilient data basis for the dimensioning of the vehicles and the charging infrastructure, the project team is modelling bus operations using the SimBA simulation tool developed at RLI. This involves simulating the use of the vehicles and their recharging and refuelling. The model is based on the current vehicle scheduling, which is adapted as a result. The vehicle models are adapted to the framework conditions of the transport company and take into account local characteristics such as topography and temperature profiles. As a result, the required vehicles are dimensioned for all scenarios, the infrastructure consisting of charging technology and network connections is designed and the investment and operating costs are calculated.

Strategy and economic viability

The comparison of the scenarios includes ecological, economic and operational criteria and forms the basis for developing various strategies for the introduction of vehicles with alternative drive systems. On this basis, the transport company can make well-founded decisions. In this project, DB Energie is responsible for developing implementation concepts that include spatial planning of the depots.

Project period: April – December 2024

• Analysis of circulation data
• Development of scenarios for bus electrification
• Dimensioning of the required vehicles and infrastructure
• Economic, ecological and operational assessment
• Development of funding opportunities