Smart EV Charging and Battery Storage for Uno Bus Electrification

Challenge

Uno Bus, a private bus company, embarked on a significant transformation to electrify its bus and van fleets. The challenge was to optimise asset utilisation and reduce energy costs amidst this electrification effort, requiring sophisticated energy management solutions.

Solution

Q Energy deployed a series of smart energy solutions to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Uno Bus’s operations:

• EV Charging Infrastructure: Installation of high-capacity EV chargers (4 x 100 kW) and standard chargers (2 x 22 kW) to accommodate the charging needs of the electrified fleet.
• Energy Monitoring and Optimisation: Integration of the ECMS Platform with six submeters at the bus garage to monitor and optimise energy usage.
• Submeter Upgrade: The existing submeter at the University of Hertfordshire’s bus garage is planned to be upgraded to a half-hourly meter to provide more granular data.
• Flexibility Optimisation: Analysis of EV charging patterns to develop strategies that enhance flexibility and reduce peak energy demand.
• Battery Storage: Discussion and evaluation of a business case for integrating battery storage to further optimise energy costs and support grid services.

Results

The initial phase has laid the groundwork for more advanced energy solutions:

• Enhanced Energy Management: Real-time data from the ECMS platform enables dynamic management of energy usage and costs.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimised charging schedules reduce operational disruptions and improve fleet availability.
• Preparation for Future Expansion: The infrastructure and data insights gained pave the way for potential battery storage solutions, which could lead to further reductions in energy costs and carbon emissions.

Impact

This project represents a proactive approach to fleet electrification, highlighting the role of smart energy systems in transforming public transportation:

• Environmental Benefits: Reduction in carbon emissions through the use of electric buses and optimised energy consumption.
• Economic Advantages: Potential cost savings from improved energy management and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
• Scalability and Replication: The insights and technologies applied in this project can serve as a model for other transportation companies looking to electrify their fleets while managing energy costs effectively.