Graduation Date
Summer 2021
Document Type
Project
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Environmental Systems, option Energy, Technology, and Policy
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Arne E Jacobson
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Charles Chamberlin
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Peter Alstone
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
Environmental Resources Engineering
Abstract
This study analyzes the techno-economic feasibility of converting the conventional transit bus fleet of the Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) into a battery-electric or a hydrogen-fueled bus fleet. The study identifies which of these technologies represents the more economically viable investment for HTA by analyzing the costs and benefits associated with each pathway. Both pathways involve zero-emission or low-emission technologies.
The study outcomes suggest that the conversion of the HTA’s current conventional fleet to an electric fleet is more feasible than conversion to a hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet. The total discounted cost (3% rate) of converting the 21-bus conventional fleet to electric or hydrogen buses during the period from 2021-2040 is $27 and $62 million, respectively.
Currently, HTA’s total cost of the current conventional fleet is $110 per hour of operation (excluding capital cost, as the buses are in service). The capital cost to purchase a new set of conventional buses is reportedly $71/hr. The corresponding estimated costs for battery-electric and hydrogen-fueled fleets including capital costs are $167/hr and $390/hr, respectively. The total cost of conversion includes various cost components, such as the capital cost of buses and charging/refueling infrastructure, the operation and maintenance (O&M) cost of buses and associated charging/refueling infrastructure, revenue generated by low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) credits, and other related costs for the period from 2021-40. This period is consistent with the timeline recommended by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The transition to zero-emission buses is proposed to be carried out in two phases for both technologies, with Phase I occurring from 2021 to 2025 and Phase II from 2025 to 2030. For the battery-electric bus option, the study also analyzed the optimized charging time for the buses while keeping demand below 750 kW with continuous charging during non-peak hours.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Kushwah, Aditya S. Mr., "A techno-economic comparison of battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell transit bus fleet options for Humboldt County, California" (2021). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 497.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/497