Analysis of Emissions from Diesel and Electric Buses: Towards a Sustainable Public Transport System
摘要
The transportation sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with internal combustion engine (ICE) buses producing large amounts of CO₂, NOₓ, and particulate matter. Electric buses (EBs) are increasingly regarded as a sustainable alternative due to their zero tailpipe emissions during operation. This study focuses exclusively on comparing the operational emissions of ICE and electric buses. The analysis reveals that electric buses significantly reduce operational emissions, particularly in regions with cleaner electricity grids, with minimal indirect emissions from electricity generation. In contrast, ICE buses consistently emit high levels of pollutants during operation, contributing heavily to urban air quality degradation and climate change. While the study highlights the benefits of transitioning to electric buses for reducing emissions, it also identifies limitations in evaluating broader environmental impacts due to the exclusion of lifecycle emissions. The findings underscore the importance of regional energy policies that support renewable energy integration to maximize the environmental advantages of electric buses. Recommendations include accelerating the deployment of electric buses in urban areas and strengthening policies to further reduce emissions, helping to achieve sustainable and cleaner public transportation systems.