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As City Buses Turn Electric, IDTechEx Asks What Awaits the Electric Coach Market

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BOSTON, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Electric buses are booming, with sales growing in Europe, America, India, and other key regions. Transport operators have shown themselves keen to electrify urban transport and cut greenhouse gas emissions. As emissions regulations tighten, city buses are likely to be all-electric within the next few years. IDTechEx’s report, “Electric and Fuel Cell Buses 2025-2045: Markets, Players, Technologies and Forecasts“, shows that over half of all city bus sales in Europe in 2023 were electric (battery and fuel cell) and that some regions are well ahead of the EU’s target for 100% of new city buses to be zero emission by 2035. However, in the coach segment, only around 1% of sales were electric across the same period, so what is driving the excellent growth in the city segment, and will it be replicated for coaches?

City buses are the perfect candidates for electrification

Buses were one of the first transportation sectors to demonstrate that they could be completely electrified. In China, sales began at pace in the early 2010s and reached a peak in 2016 when almost 140,000 electric buses were sold in a single year. While the sales figures have since declined and then plateaued – the overall bus fleet is now over 77% electric. With over 3 quarters of buses electric, these are not pilot projects or early successes but established incumbent technology. Electric buses now have well over a decade of use, transporting millions of people safely and efficiently. But what are the unique aspects of city bus transport that have allowed electrification to outpace other bus sectors?

Predictability: City buses, by their nature, follow predetermined routes with set schedules every day that they are in service. For electric buses, this means that routes can be optimized such that range anxiety is effectively removed. Compare this to a private passenger car, where the daily mileage might vary substantially, and routes longer than the range of the vehicle may be desired.

Opportunity charging: City buses are typically confined to a single metropolitan zone, and to be useful, transit services must stop regularly for passengers to embark/disembark. This presents a perfect chance for opportunity charging, where either overhead pantographs or wireless charging can quickly top up the batteries. This allows operators to potentially use a smaller Li-ion battery pack yet achieve the same range. This brings cost and weight savings.

Concentration of infrastructure: Buses are typically parked overnight in depots, and many buses may use a single site. This allows for the concentration of infrastructure, as building out grid capacity for a single site may allow the charging of an entire fleet of buses. Buses typically operate during the day, meaning they have a much longer period to charge. Thus, lower-level trickle charging can be used rather than grid-intensive fast charging – this also slows the battery degradation. When the busses are operating the daily routes, this infrastructure can then be utilized by other vehicles such as public charging or eLCV fleets. This generates revenue for the bus operator and recoups some of the investment in the infrastructure.

In summary, electric city buses are here to stay. They have demonstrated that they can operate in a wide range of conditions – with buses in operation from Northern China to Southern Spain. With correct route optimization and clever infrastructure utilization, they can comfortably operate most routes operators require.

What about coaches?

While city bus sales have turned increasingly electric, the coach market, by contrast, is stagnant and almost entirely diesel. IDTechEx research has assessed some of the challenges that hold back electrification, both technical and economic.

Range: One of the larger technical hurdles to overcome is range. Although energy density improvements have allowed onboard battery storage to increase, electric vehicles still have shorter ranges than their ICE counterparts. As battery pack size increases, weight and volume become a challenge. Improvements in energy density can help overcome this, but current state-of-the-art packs are insufficient to provide adequate range. Coach journeys are typically much longer and travel interurban, intercity, and even international routes. As such, the limited range is a much greater challenge than that of a city bus, which may have a much lower daily required mileage.

Charging infrastructure: These coaches will typically leave built-up areas behind and travel long distances on highways without stopping. As recharging will be required, the necessary highway infrastructure needs to be put in place for coaches to recharge en route. Unlike city buses, which can charge slowly overnight, these coaches are likely to need fast charging to avoid passengers having to wait multiple hours in a remote service station, which would increase journey times and reduce customer satisfaction. The non-concentrated nature of coach travel (fewer coaches will travel to a much wider range of destinations) means that more charging infrastructure will need to be developed.

Funding: Currently, battery electric buses are about twice as expensive as a comparable diesel bus. While large metropolitan transport operators may be able to afford the investment, regional coach transport operators are often much smaller entities and thus struggle to absorb the increased costs associated with electrifying. Government support is also less prominent. The UK’s successful ZEBRA (Zero Emissions Buses Regional Areas) has contributed to the strong growth in electric sales, but it explicitly excludes coaches from any subsidy support.

What options are left in this challenging environment? Fuel cell buses, with their greater range and quicker refueling, are considered alternatives to battery electric buses by some, but challenges with hydrogen production and distribution remain. Increases in Li-ion cell density will translate into greater ranges for fully electric buses, but to what extent can these overcome the challenges of long-haul travel? What is the regulatory outlook for coach travel compared with city buses? IDTechEx explores these questions and more in its in-depth review of the topic, “Electric and Fuel Cell Buses 2025-2045: Markets, Players, Technologies and Forecasts”.

To find out more about this IDTechEx report, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Buses.

For the full portfolio of electric vehicles market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/EV.

About IDTechEx 
 
IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com

Media Contact: 

Charlotte Martin 
Subscriptions Marketing Manager 
press@IDTechEx.com 
+44(0)1223 812300 

Social Media Links: 
 
X: https://www.twitter.com/IDTechEx 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idtechex/ 

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2025 Chinese economy: robust capacity in coping with pressure and risks

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BEIJING, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference:

 

From China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference held last week, one can see clear targets and detect the continuity in the rationale behind the country’s economic roadmap for 2025. The tasks listed at the conference are in line with China’s development needs in the current phase, and can to a degree respond to the external risks.

Firstly, the meeting urged efforts to vigorously boost consumption, a top-of-agenda task. Expanding domestic demand is not only a long-term priority for China, but also a coping strategy for the tougher challenges faced in exports. China’s efforts to stimulate consumption mainly fall into two categories. For one, enabling its citizens to have more to spend, by means of increasing income and alleviating burdens of low- and middle-income groups, and enabling more to enter the middle-income bracket; meanwhile, China will continue to diversify consumption scenarios, such as the debut economy, ice and snow economy and silver economy, for consumers to spend their disposable income.

Secondly, China is determined to let scientific and technological innovation drive the building of a modern industrial system, serving as a compass for China’s industrial economy development. In 2025, China is going to invest more in technological innovation, and strengthen studies in basic sciences and key core technologies, to drive industrial innovation, and furthermore achieve high standards in sci-tech self-reliance and strength.

Thirdly, China will maintain its high-level opening-up, and keep foreign trade and foreign investment stable. The size, quality and good reputation of China’s business with the world have been ever-growing, and that’s because the goal of China is to “make the cake bigger,” not “steal others’ shares of cake,” let alone “seize the whole cake.” To that end, China has improved the quality of its exports, explored new investment models, and made more countries stakeholders along the global value chain; meanwhile, it has also been ameliorating its market-access policies, and bettering the treatment of foreign-invested companies, so that more countries can benefit from the Chinese market. By November, China has removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector, and service sectors including telecommunication and medical care are also opening their doors wider at a stable pace.

China shows great willingness to open up to the world, and boasts a good many partners; at the same time, the country’s economy has a solid foundation with many advantages, strong resilience and great potential, which means it possesses robust capacity in coping with pressure and risks.

 

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SOURCE China.org.cn

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India-born Avaada Group Commits $12bn to Transform Rajasthan into a Global Renewable Energy Hub

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MUMBAI, India, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Avaada Group, a leading name in the renewable energy sector, has announced an unprecedented investment of $12bn in Rajasthan, India, for accelerating green energy transition, thereby establishing the region as a global renewable energy powerhouse. This landmark announcement was made during the prestigious Rising Rajasthan 2024 Summit, attended by India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan’s Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

Highlighting Rajasthan’s strategic importance, Avaada Group’s Chairman Vineet Mittal, Guest of Honour at the event, stated, “Rajasthan’s vast solar and wind resources, coupled with the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Chief Minister, present an unparalleled opportunity to redefine the global renewable energy landscape. Avaada’s commitment of $12bn while driving green industrial manufacturing will also create millions of jobs, shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Rajasthan stands out as a global hub for renewable energy, with over 142 GW of unmatched solar potential, supported by 325+ sunny days annually. The state’s pro-business policies, including the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024 and the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, have attracted investments worth $78bn.

Avaada Group’s journey in Rajasthan began with a modest 150 MW solar project and has since evolved into multiple ventures, including one of the world’s largest single location renewable energy projects by an IPP. Key investments announced at the summit include:

1,200 MW Pumped Storage Project (PSP): A $700mn initiative to enhance energy storage and grid stability.Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Projects: Investments aimed at driving global decarbonization goals.Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Projects: Across Jhalawar, Kota, Barmer, and Bikaner, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy targets.

With its strategic alignment to international sustainability frameworks like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Rajasthan offers a unique advantage for zero-carbon manufacturing and green industrial growth, positioning itself as a magnet for industries seeking sustainable operations while creating over 1mn green jobs.

“As a global renewable energy leader, Avaada is proud to participate in Rajasthan’s vision of becoming a green hub of industrial growth,” Mr. Mittal remarked. “Our investments aim to double the region’s economy by 2030, aligned with global efforts to combat climate change.”

With its strategic initiatives, Avaada Group is poised to attract international collaborations, setting a benchmark for renewable energy innovation and sustainable industrial development.

About Avaada Group

Avaada Group is a leader in the global energy transition, specializing in solar module manufacturing, renewable power generation, and the development of green hydrogen, green methanol, green ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel projects. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Vineet Mittal, Avaada has become a significant global player in clean energy. Avaada Energy, the group’s renewable power generation arm, aims to achieve a capacity of 11 GWp by 2026. The group’s strong execution capabilities have attracted substantial international investment, including a $1.3bn commitment in early 2023, with $1bn from Brookfield’s Energy Transition Fund and $300mn from GPSC, a subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Group.

Contact

Kiren Srivastav
kiren.srivastav@avaada.com

Charu Sehgal
charu.sehgal@avaada.com 

 

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The Shining Achievements of Busan MICE in 2024

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BUSAN, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Amid intensifying competition among MICE host cities to attract large events, 2024 saw Busan take bold steps that led to impressive results, proving its potential as a prime MICE destination. The efforts made by Busan in 2024 in attracting major international conferences, promoting ESG management, enhancing networking, and strengthening city identity are outlined below.

International Conferences Held in the Global MICE City of Busan

Busan hosted several significant international conferences in 2024. In July, it welcomed the 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR 2024), drawing around 2,700 space scientists from 60 countries to Korea. This was the first time the event was held in the country. In August, after eight years of preparation, the city hosted the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC 2024), a prestigious event with a 146-year history, at BEXCO. In November, Busan hosted the 5th Session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5). With participation from 193 institutions and countries, INC-5 was the final dialogue in a series of international discussions on controlling plastic pollution, making it a crucial conference on the future health of Earth’s marine environment and placing Busan at the forefront of global attention.

Wide-ranging ESG Activities for the Sustainability of MICE

Busan’s selection to host INC-5 was made possible by its strong track record of ESG initiatives within the MICE industry. The Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) CVB’s exhibition hall was decorated using recyclable wood, and with the assistance of eco-friendly suppliers, recycling stations were set up to facilitate the collection of waste generated during the event. Aiming for a paperless conference, digital materials and multifunctional electronic platforms were also used. Continuous efforts in various ESG initiatives were made through collaborations with Busan MICE Alliance (BMA) members. Environmental reports were made, containing carbon reduction amounts for all products used at event venues and greenhouse gas reduction indicators for transportation during each event, to create more eco-friendly events.

Improvement of Busan’s MICE Network Through Communication

The Busan MICE Alliance and the Busan MICE industry, in general, grew in solidarity through strong networking this year. The BTO CVB worked to fundamentally enhance Busan’s MICE industry by increasing local demand for MICE events and maintaining an efficient collaboration network. Regular meetings of the BMA focused on the concerns of its members to improve communication. Additionally, Busan MICE Alliance Day was held to strengthen ties among members of Busan’s MICE industry, fostering discussions on industry developments both locally and internationally, and exploring joint marketing opportunities. New members were recruited into the BMA in both the first and second halves of the year, enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors for the success of Busan’s MICE industry. The Busan MICE Business Innovation Platform, which provides users with access to news and information about Busan’s MICE industry, was launched and well-received.

Unique Venues That Capture Busan’s Local Identity

Participants in MICE events now expect more than just the exchange of knowledge. They seek a special experience, and MICE destinations should leverage their local identity to provide experiences that can only be found in their cities or regions. Recognizing this industry trend, Busan has identified a variety of unique venues that highlight the history, culture, and distinctiveness of the city. Venues such as Domoheon, the former residence of Busan’s mayor; Space OneZ, a renovated old warehouse; and Holi Lounge, offering a surfing workation, exemplify this approach. The MICE events held at these unique venues are also organized in a way that showcases the best of Busan’s local identity.

As another busy year draws to a close, Busan, as a MICE city, is looking forward to making even greater strides next year. The 18th World Congress on Computational Mechanics (WCCM) in 2028, along with many other international MICE events, are set to take place in Busan, and the BTO CVB is actively working toward this goal.

With aspirations of reaching the pinnacle of the MICE industry, Busan will continue its efforts to be a sustainable, cooperative, and unique MICE city that is globally recognized.

 

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SOURCE Busan Tourism Organization

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