ELIPTIC SWOT Analysis Highlights the Strategic Potential of Electrification
As part of CIVITAS ELIPTIC, a series of feasibility studies were carried out within the context of the project's use cases. A new Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis from ELIPTIC consortium partner SIEMENS sheds light on the future of the technologies outlined in feasibility studies.
As part of CIVITAS ELIPTIC, a series of feasibility studies were carried out within the context of the project's use cases. A new Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis from consortium partner SIEMENS sheds light on the future of the technologies outlined in feasibility studies.
This analysis, based on questionnaires and interviews conducted with use case leaders, groups the results in clusters according to the characteristics of the involved cities and their technological approaches. Below are the main conclusions from the four technological clusters:
Cluster 1 - Using electricity from existing public transport grids to power electric bus charging points
This technology has shown its strengths in the availability, reliability and energy efficiency of the public transport grid and in having sufficient capacity, particularly during off-peak times and at night. Although the connection points are not available in the whole bus service area, their location at strategic points such as depots and route terminals means they still serve many routes effectively.
Cluster 2 - Hybrid trolleybuses
Such hybrid vehicles are essential in enabling trolley systems to be extended and ultimately replace diesel bus services. The refurbishment of existing fleets with batteries has proven more cost-effective than procuring new units.
However, the opportunity to obtain governmental financing could help operators increase the amount hybrid units in operation. Still, technical improvements of the wiring mechanism may be required to improve the vehicles on routes beyond central catenaries (wire system).
Cluster 3 - Braking energy recuperation and storage
This technology's application is limited to particular operational conditions not possible on all routes. The technology is also in strong competition with storage technology (batteries) which has become more affordable. In some cases, however, both storage and reversible substations could work together in efficient energy recuperation systems.
Cluster 4 - Using electricity from existing public transport grids to power multimodal charging hubs
This technology shares many of the strengths found in Cluster 1, and though operators in several cities are currently prevented from providing commercial charging services, the electrification of utility fleets and other support vehicles represents a more immediate opportunity for operators.
The ELIPTIC SWOT analysis forms the basis of a qualitative Technological Viability Evaluation, which itself forms part of the project's full final evaluation.
To find out more about CIVITAS ELIPTIC, click here.
