Why the New Age GCC Contracts and E-buses Require a Fresh New Look Than the Traditional Way Buses Were Operated

There are two very distinct differences in the new-age E buses, viz the cost of the bus and the fuel i.e. electricity. The high cost of the bus makes it necessary for it to be used optimally. Underutilisation of the bus would obviously impact the recovery of its cost.  At the same time, overutilisation would impact its battery life and performance. Right battery capacity for its single-charge run shall ensure the long life of the battery.  We are well aware that E buses require opportunity charging.  A higher-capacity battery though, would ensure a longer single-charge run; it would increase the cost and the weight of the bus.  

There are many factors that decide the optimum utilisation of the bus.  Hence, it is very important to decide, design the operational network and schedule it properly so that the bus can deliver to its fullest.  In the early days when we started operating E buses, we did not realise the impact of getting the bus back to the depot for opportunity charging.  If improperly done, this would not only affect the kms operated but would also reduce the number of buses on line when they are brought to the depots. Hence, the schedules have to be redone considering the fact that these are not diesel/CNG buses.

Getting acquainted with a new technology takes time. We have, for all these years, operated diesel buses in which the need to design the operation vis-a-vis the fuel was not very high. However, in the instant case, fuel is a very important factor that would decide the network design.  This coupled with the non-peak passenger demand, would help in designing the right network. This is something that the E-bus planners and operators should well understand.

Another factor deciding the operation of these buses is the power rates during the peak and the non-peak periods.  Since the rates are not uniform throughout the day, it would be ideal to plan charging during the period when the rate is discounted or at par.  Though it would not be possible to meet all conditions to the fullest, the successful operation would be the one that would tick all boxes optimally.   

Operators are surely adapting to E buses.  One should not forget that our expertise and experience in operating diesel buses has been gained over several decades.  Our control over the operation of E buses would be much faster, considering the induction of newer technology and the efficient flow of knowledge and expertise.  Our drivers would enjoy driving an E bus, considering that almost all the buses would be air-conditioned with automatic transmission.  This would reduce driving fatigue considerably. One should also not forget that maintaining an E bus is much more economical than maintaining a diesel bus, as the moving parts are much less.

We are all learning and adapting to these new buses and the fuel.  The bus scores on all the points, viz. Driving, travelling, maintaining and viability.  Hence, its adaptability and acceptance would be fast.

Ankit Agrawal is the Co-Founder & CTO at Cityflo. All views expressed are the author's own.