Abstract:

The implementation of the electric buses programme in Kolkata has had a great impact on all aspects related to public mobility. The reliability of electric bus operation has seen to be improved up to 98% despite several initial challenges. Moreover, overwhelming responses have been received from the e-bus riders in a survey in terms of comfort and reliability in each trip. Furthermore, the cost of lithium ion batteries has been reducing drastically over the last few years and is expected to drop further in the next two to three years, which will positively impact the viability of e-buses that use these batteries. Although, the impact on air pollution levels has not been as significant as anticipated since very few conventional vehicles have been replaced by e-buses (5% of total conventional fleet) till date, it is expected that annual CO2 emissions will reduce by 3,094 tonnes, considering daily round trip of 100 kms per bus and an emission factor of 1.19 Kg CO2 emissions/km per bus. The impact on the electricity distribution network, which is equally critical to review, has been minimal so far.