Quantifying avoided greenhouse gas emissions by E-Buses in Latin America: a simplified life-cycle assessment methodology

This paper was updated on 23 August 2024 to correct the tank-to-wheel and well-to-wheel values for UCO biodiesel in Table 5.

The E-Bus Radar platform (www.ebusradar.org) monitors the implementation of battery electric buses (BEBs) and trolleybuses in the public transport systems of Latin American cities, and their associated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional models. The platform was created and is maintained by the Zero Emission Bus Rapid-deployment Accelerator (ZEBRA) partnership, co-led by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and C40 Cities.

This work presents the updated methodology used by the E-Bus Radar platform to estimate greenhouse gas emissions avoided with the introduction of battery electric buses and trolleybuses. With this update, which includes the application of a life-cycle assessment, the results obtained account for exhaust emissions and emissions associated with vehicle and battery manufacturing, vehicle maintenance, and fuel and electricity production. The methodology uses country-specific values to provide reliable life-cycle emission estimates tailored to the local market.

The buses are classified into five categories: trolleybuses from 12 to 15 m, trolleybuses over 18 m, BEBs from 8 to 11 m, BEBs from 12 to 15 m, and BEBs over 18 m. For each category and city, the calculated emissions are estimated based on technical and operational information provided by public transport authorities and manufacturers.

The funding for this work was generously provided by the Instituto Clima e Sociedade (iCS).

Read this paper in Spanish or Portuguese.

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