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Around the world, more and more cities already have introduced electric-powered bus fleets or are planning to do so in the near future. Thus far, electrical-powered bus fleets have not yet been applied to regional bus services. This paper analyzes the boundary conditions of the operational integration of electrically powered bus fleets in regional bus services. The paper introduces a methodical approach which can be used to identify the optimum deployment strategy for electrical-powered buses which is a combination of technological factors (e.g. dimensions of energy storage and charging technology) the operational regime to be applied (e.g. routing and scheduling). The methodical approach is exemplarily instantiated with the analysis of sample data of a bus line in a topographically challenging region. The model-driven prognosis of the vehicle’s state of charge is the basis for the definition of an optimum deployment strategy for electrical-powered buses on that line.

The introduction of alternative propulsion concepts in public transport makes significant contributions to further reduce pollutants emitted by transport systems (noise, air pollutants). This paradigm shift is a major challenge for public transport operators. Operational performance of heavy duty vehicles depends on many different factors such as climatic conditions, load profiles (e.g. variations in passenger occupancy) and track topology. Currently there is no common standard which allows the assessment of energetic performance of different vehicle concepts and optimum deployment strategies of electric charging infrastructure in the network (with respect to their impact on the vehicles' duty plans). This paper introduces a simulation-based approach to provide answers to this multi-variant optimization problem. The model outlined in this paper allows operators to choose the most adequate vehicle type(s) and corresponding infrastructure for their respective conditions aiming at a maximum operational availability of the buses during the operational day. Furthermore, the simulation model allows the assessment of time tables and line topologies with respect to their operational feasibility. This paper discusses experiences made with simulative studies in the introduction of inductively charged electric buses in the city of Braunschweig (Germany).