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LIFE Project Cover Photo

"Electric Bus Rapid Transit: high capacity Bus with zero local emissions"

Reference: LIFE13 ENV/FR/000281 | Acronym: LIFE BeeBus

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

About 75% of the EU population lives in urban areas. The trend towards urban living is continuing and durable, and according to the European Environment Agency, around 80% of Europeans will be living in urban areas by 2020 (EEA Report N°10/2006).

The concentration of people in expanding urban areas has implications for mobility. Urban mobility and transport are vital for cities. It has become clear in recent years that the development of public transport is a key factor for sustainable cities. Urban public transport must meet the challenge of sustainability, by developing reasonably priced service that have a minimised negative impact on the environment. Likely solutions will feature mass transit means (heavy metros) and local systems, with intermediate medium-size capacity transport systems such as Light Rail Transit (tramways or light metros) or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems.


OBJECTIVES

The LIFE BeeBus project would test and demonstrate an innovative green urban transport solution: the eBRT, an electric bus designed for quick recharging during stops at passenger stations.

The use of electric propulsion reduces emissions of many pollutants. In addition, thanks to the full recovery of kinetic energy during braking, the overall system performance is significantly more efficient than diesel buses.

The potential uptake the BeeBus technology would be reinforced by its reasonable implementation cost that is substantially lower than a tram line. The total cost of ownership would be reduced by the eBRT’s energy efficiency. Lastly, the batteries would be designed to have very long lifetimes thanks to their limited depth of discharge of 7-10 years, twice as long as that of batteries of electric buses that are currently in service.

Specifically, the project would:

  • Demonstrate two prototype vehicles (18 metres) with quick-charging interfaces;
  • Equip seven bus stations with charging stations (mainly financed by SMTC Grenoble); and
  • Establish a complete central management system (energy management, operation supervision).
  • Expected results:

  • CO2 emissions reduced by 192 tonnes in total during the project;
  • Energy consumption per passenger: 12-15 watt hours per kilometre;
  • Reduction of pollutants by: • Nitrogen oxides: 359 kg; • Carbon monoxide: 251 kg; • Hydrocarbons: 6 kg; • Particulate matter: 6.5 kg; and • Noise level of only 75 decibels (at 50 km/h) and 70 dB (at stop).

  • RESULTS

    The project has been prematuraly closed by the beneficiary in February 2016.The project has been prematuraly closed by the beneficiary in February 2016.

    ADMINISTRATIVE DATA


    Reference: LIFE13 ENV/FR/000281
    Acronym: LIFE BeeBus
    Start Date: 01/06/2014
    End Date: 30/11/2017
    Total Eligible Budget: 4,537,565 €
    EU Contribution: 2,268,782 €

    CONTACT DETAILS


    Coordinating Beneficiary: SIEMENS SAS
    Legal Status: PCO
    Address: 9 boulevard Finot, 93200, SAINT DENIS,


    LIFE Project Map

    ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ADDRESSED

    THEMES

    • Air pollutants
    • Efficiency
    • Savings
    • Transport planning - Traffic monitoring
    • Pollutants reduction
    • GHG reduction in non EU ETS sectors

    KEYWORDS

    • energy saving
    • urban area
    • emission reduction
    • vehicle
    • air pollution
    • greenhouse gas
    • public transport
    • alternative technology

    PARTNERSHIPS

    Name Status Type
     SIEMENS SAS ACTIVE Coordinator
     PVI(Power Vehicle Innovation SAS), France ACTIVE Participant