septemberoctober2024 - 18

Guest Opinion
Optimizing Transit Fleet Electrification
With Advanced Battery Management
Managing the lifecycle of EV batteries is essential for maximizing
the return on investment and operational efficiency.
B y S t e v en Meer s ma n , C o n t r i b ut o r
ELECTRIFYING TRANSIT FLEETS is a pivotal step
toward sustainable transportation. However, managing
the lifecycle of electric vehicle (EV) batteries
is essential for maximizing the return on investment
and operational efficiency.
Importance of battery management
Battery management is critical for the success of
transit fleet electrification projects. Proper management
not only ensures reliable battery performance,
but also maximizes battery life
and enhances residual value, reducing the
total cost of ownership of an electric fleet.
Given that batteries represent a substantial
portion of the investment in EVs-accounting
for 40 to 50 percent of the purchase
price-effective battery management is
crucial. For example, an electric bus can
cost around $400,000 upfront.
An electric bus
being charged.
Photo: Zenobē
Understanding battery degradation
Battery degradation is an inevitable process where
the battery's energy storage capacity diminishes
over time. Key concepts include the State of Health
(SOH), which measures a battery's capacity compared
to its original state, and the " knee point, "
the stage at which battery degradation accelerates
rapidly. This typically occurs around 70 percent
SOH, signaling the need for replacement. Good
battery management practices are essential to delay
reaching the knee point, ensuring reliable performance
and extending the battery's life.
About the author
Steven Meersman is
one of the founding
directors of Zenobē.
He leads the electric
vehicle team. In
addition, he's
responsible for the
Delivery, Operations
and Product teams.
Benefits of second-life batteries
Batteries still have significant utility after their
primary life in EVs. Second-life batteries extend
the usable life of EV batteries, offering lower-cost,
lower-carbon energy solutions. These applications
include portable power sources, on-site renewable
energy storage and temporary power solutions for
construction or events. What's more, repurposing
retired EV batteries for these purposes contributes
to a circular economy, reduces environmental im18
Mass Transit | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
pact and can drive lower first-life costs thanks to
the residual value that can be assigned.
Battery-as-a-Service: A game-changer
The Battery-as-a-Service model offers numerous
advantages:
* Cost reduction: Lower upfront costs and predictable
monthly fees.
* Risk mitigation: The model handles battery performance,
degradation, replacement and recycling.
* Operational efficiency: Transit fleet operators can
focus on their core missions without worrying
about battery management complexities.
Practical tips for transit fleet operators
Transit fleet operators can adopt various strategies
to optimize battery performance and lifespan.
Route allocation is crucial; varying of routes ensures
even battery degradation, considered scheduling
can avoid frequent ultra-fast charging. Maintaining
batteries within a 10 to 90 percent state of charge
can minimize degradation and training drivers to
adopt efficient driving styles can further reduce
energy consumption and battery wear.
End-to-end electrification
Battery management strategies have been successfully
implemented in various projects in the U.S.
and abroad. Several transit operators have considered
end-to-end solutions that include financing of
vehicles and chargers but those with a longer-term
mindset are also considering the financing and management
of batteries. From the funding of the batteries,
to software to manage them and how they 're used
in second-life applications - the practical benefits
of battery management cannot be underestimated.
Conclusion
By adopting a comprehensive Battery-as-a-Service
model and embracing second-life battery applications,
transit fleet operators can ensure their EV
batteries deliver optimal performance throughout
their lifecycle.
septemberoctober2024

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