Tim Jonas | National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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Presentation Description

Diesel exhaust levels inside school buses (SBs) have long exceeded safe limits, with levels up to four times higher than in passenger cars and over eight times above average outdoor concentrations. In response, the adoption of electric SBs has gained traction due to their zero-emission nature, increasing model availability, and cost-effectiveness, particularly suited for the SB duty cycle characterized by limited mileage and substantial downtime.
However, uncertainties persist regarding the driving and charging patterns for electric SBs, crucial for assessing their future growth and infrastructure requirements. This study leverages NREL's FleetDNA 1-Hz SB travel database, analyzing over 1,500 operating days and 90,000 miles from seven SB fleets to determine operational driving patterns and depot parking locations.
Utilizing NREL's EVI-Pro tool, we conduct bottom-up simulations incorporating detailed vehicle operating patterns, attributes, and charging station characteristics. These simulations model charging behaviors, plug-in electric vehicle load profiles, and the necessary quantity and types of charging infrastructure to support regional adoption of electric SBs.
By simulating depot and opportunity charging based on real-world FleetDNA travel data, we identify most-likely depot parking times, load curves, as well as likely commercial TOU on-peak and off-peak times. Utilizing these simulation results, the study compares the electrification potential of US SB fleets for different scenarios using various assumptions for battery capacity, types of charging infrastructure, access to depot charging, and port sharing. Therefore, as the first of its kind, this study leverages real-world SB travel data to present different pathways for US SB fleet decarbonization. Our results provide valuable insights for SB fleet operators, school districts, and policymakers, enabling them to identify and maximize decarbonization opportunities for the operation of school bus fleets, where children's health and environmental impact are paramount. By combining real-world travel data with advanced simulation tools, we offer a comprehensive approach to understanding and promoting the transition to electric SBs.
In conclusion, this study not only contributes to the body of knowledge surrounding electric SB adoption but also provides actionable guidance for stakeholders to make informed decisions towards a greener and healthier future for our communities.

Speaker Biography

Tim Jonas is a transportation researcher and data scientist with 5 years of experience in research and industry focusing on electric vehicle infrastructure and sustainable transportation systems. As part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Transportation Energy Transitions Analysis (TETA) group, he is involved in various projects that help addressing challenges revolving the electrification of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. During his career, he has collaborated with various stakeholders from industry, academia, and government agencies to lay out pathways that lead to the decarbonization of the transportation sector. Before his tenure at NREL, he graduated with a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Rhode Island (URI). As the head of the EV research team in the Sustainability Innovative Solutions lab, his award-winning research on electric vehicle user charging behavior and electric vehicle efficiency is published in various international journals. Tim Jonas also holds master's degrees in Systems Engineering and Technology Management from URI and the Technical University from Braunschweig, Germany.

Co-presenters

Brennan  Borlaug
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Matthew Bruchon
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Presentation File