As mentioned in the introduction, there are various studies related to the topic of electric buses. In [
8], J. Whitaker et al. created a scheduling framework to balance the use of slow and fast chargers, with fixed bus routes and charger locations. They developed a constrained network flow Mixed-Integer Linear Program (MILP) to optimize charger scheduling and determine the required number of chargers to maintain battery state of charge thresholds. By applying their method to a randomly generated schedule for thirty buses, the results demonstrated that their approach could identify optimal charging plans while accounting for time-of-use (TOU) costs. This method worked for both fixed and variable numbers of chargers. The optimal plans achieved cost reductions of up to 20.9% compared to a threshold-based plan and up to 12.3% compared to an optimal strategy that disregards TOU costs.To assist municipalities and transit authorities in making informed decisions about electrifying their transit bus systems, M. Kharouf et al. [
2] developed a mixed-integer linear programming model. This model aims to determine the optimal electrification strategy by considering the actual bus operation schedule and electric utility demand charges. It identifies the ideal battery size for each bus, the type and distribution of fast charging infrastructure, and the capacity and location of energy storage systems. Additionally, the model evaluates the best combination of flash and opportunity charging modes.A novel dynamic approach for transitioning a battery electric bus (BEB) fleet, which incorporates the perspectives of both stakeholders, is proposed in [
3]. This approach involves several stages, beginning with the input stage that determines the optimal depot location, fleet size, and charging infrastructure. It also establishes the charging schedules and route assignments.B. Zeng et al.[
4] examined the issue of scheduling electric buses and planning charging infrastructure, considering constraints such as service levels, battery power limitations, and charging capacity. Their proposed model is nonlinear integer programming, which they later converted into a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for efficient solving using commercial solvers like CPLEX. Results from case studies indicate that replacing buses can enhance the operational efficiency of the EB system compared to battery swapping. For instance, charger utilization rates may increase by 14.3%, while passengers’ travel time and total costs could decrease by 15.5% and 7.75%, respectively.In[
5], the battery swapping method is employed to devise the most efficient schedule for charging E-bus batteries, considering energy costs and the peak-to-average ratio (PAR). These E-bus battery swapping stations incorporate photovoltaic (PV) power generation. To identify optimal conditions, three metaheuristic algorithms are utilized: the binary bat algorithm (BBA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and grey wolf optimizer (GWO). Simulation results indicate that integrating an optimal battery charging schedule with a PV power generation system in an E-bus battery swapping station can notably lower energy costs and the Peak-to-Average Ratio (PAR) compared to standard battery charging methods used at charging stations. G. Ferro et al.[
9] addressed an optimization problem centered on planning service stations for recharging a fleet of electric buses (EBs) used in public transportation. This task involves choosing appropriate sites for stations from a predefined list of eligible locations and determining their capacity, including the number of sockets and maximum output power. Furthermore, the optimization problem considers assigning different bus lines to the activated stations and determining the size of the bus fleet. In [
10], the study examines the Hess-ABB Tosa, an 18-meter bus equipped by ABB with a comprehensive traction system, optimized with an onboard charger, a 40kWh energy-storage unit, and an automatic energy transfer system at stops. Along its route of 1.8 km, there are two recharge points: the Flash Station at Palexpo, providing a power supply of 400kW for 15 seconds, and a second station at the airport, where a power supply of 200kW is applied for 3-4 minutes. In the literature review, it is evident that no study has compared various charging methods regarding their impact on battery life. This paper aims to bridge this gap by evaluating the State of Health (SoH) of batteries after undergoing identical drive cycles over a 2.5-year period. We also compare the financial aspects of Flash and DC fast charging stations.