An electric bus recently caught fire in a parking lot in Taichung, central Taiwan for no apparent reason. The precise cause of the fire is being investigated by the relevant authorities; however, this incident has raised concerns about the safety of electric buses on the market.
To improve the safety of electric buses, many operators are investing heavily in technologies ranging from real-time vehicle status monitoring and battery management systems to backend charging schedule control at depots. The purpose is to increase public acceptability of electric buses on the market.
In light of criteria such as battery longevity and range, RAC Electric Vehicles has moved to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Furthermore, by investing in software applications, the company intends to build a comprehensive system that includes battery management, vehicle control, fleet management, and backend energy storage planning and scheduling.
This implies that not only can all data be monitored in real-time when vehicles are in operation, but smart systems can also optimize charging schedules through effective dispatching when buses are parked at depots during non-operational hours.
Similarly, Master Transportation Bus Manufacturing has improved vehicle safety by employing Toshiba lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries. Unlike other operators, Master Trans uses its own fast-charging technology for charging plans.
The capacity to charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 15 minutes greatly reduces the need for charging stations at depots without requiring any changes to existing parking spot layouts. This also avoids concerns with concentrated nighttime charging, lowering the risks connected with centralized charging and improving the overall safety of electric buses.
Foxtron Vehicle Technologies has combined technologies from the Hon Hai (Foxconn) smart city platform. In addition to monitoring and operating systems for electric buses, Foxtron has utilized generative AI and a digital twin platform.
Simulation can be used to optimize the depot's design, construction, and operating stages, starting with the initial design phase. Furthermore, once operations begin, simulations can assist in optimizing charging schedules for electric buses, hence minimizing various hazards.
Electric bus operators argue that, while electrification is the primary option for future public transportation development, guaranteeing safety is crucial; otherwise, it will be a significant barrier to market promotion.
Not only are cars constantly improving their safety through the introduction of new products and technology, but there is also a heavy emphasis on real-time backend control and charging management after nighttime activities have ended. The goal is to create a balance of safety and optimization using intelligent systems.
