Smart Steps Towards Sustainable Transportation: Profitability of Electric Road System

Abstract

The global average temperature has increased by about 1°C compared to pre-industrial times and the temperature increase continues. The effects of climate change are already affecting living conditions on Earth. Through the Paris Agreement, the countries of the world have committed to limit global warming to below 2°C compared to pre-industrial times and to make efforts to keep the increase below 1.5°C. The transportation sector accounts for about 15% of Turkey's greenhouse gas emissions, and more than three-quarters come from diesel fuel. Already in ten years, transport emissions must be reduced by 70% according to the national targets. It is about both reducing emissions by 2030 but also ensuring that we are completely emission-free by 2050. The vast majority of emissions in the transport sector come from road traffic. Electric vehicles have emerged as the most promising solution to energy and environmental security concerns. However, a major constraint for electric vehicles has been the limited range and fast charging capacity. Various electric road technologies have great potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution, and reduce noise in urban areas. This article proposes to discuss the inductive and conductive charging system and required system configuration in the concept of electric roads for electric buses. The model solution algorithm is designed and it is validated on the E-bus route R40 in Kayseri City, Turkey. It is found that if an electric road system is used instead of a diesel bus for a bus line route of 35.5 km, it will amortize itself in 10 years.