Fast charging electric buses in Maribor: a comparative analysis of simulation and real-world results

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the energy consumption of a full electric bus charged at a fast-charging station with pantographs in the city of Maribor. The results of simulated and real tests on the PT line 6 are compared and analysed. The partly electrified PT line 6 provides insights on comparison between simulated energy consumption and real-life energy consumption, charging time and reliability of charging. The results reveal that the simulation considered several important factors like real life turnaround time, driving cycle, regenerative braking, charging time, peak hour charging time, heating/cooling systems, full passenger load as important and critical to identify the appropriate concept for charging. Technical and operational errors were identified in real world, due to connectivity failures or driver errors in positioning the vehicle, which were not considered in the simulation. The real-world data and procedure for selection of the most appropriate charging technology represent a good basis for full electrified Public Transport in Maribor.