Public Transport Electrification through Circular Economy Principles
Public transport significantly contributes to reducing emissions; however, it remains resource- and waste-intensive. One solution to minimize its ecological footprint is to implement innovative circular economy business models. These models provide valuable guidance for public transport planners and operators on integrating circular economy principles into real-world operations.
Demonstration Pilot: Application of Used Batteries to Store Energy for Fast-Charger Powering
Background and Context
Maribor’s public transport infrastructure is primarily operated by Marprom, a city-owned public transport operator. Under the Interreg EfficienCE project, a fast-charging station for electric buses was installed at the Vzpenjača station to support the electrification of bus line 6. This line operates four buses with a peak frequency of 15 minutes, necessitating a reliable charging solution.
Pilot Objective
Following the integration of the fast charger in 2022 and full electrification of bus line 6 in 2023, the Municipality of Maribor (MOM) aims to modernize public transport infrastructure at Vzpenjača station. The CE4CE project focuses on incorporating circular economy principles into public transport. As part of this initiative, MOM plans to implement a battery bank utilizing repurposed second-life batteries, powered by renewable energy sources (RES), to support the fast charger at Vzpenjača station.
Pilot Vision
This pilot demonstrates the strategic application of used batteries for storing (renewable) energy to power a fast charger. It serves as an example of how public transport can integrate circular economy principles by utilizing second-life batteries. The pilot also aims to highlight the cost-saving potential and energy efficiency improvements of such a system.
Challenges
The key challenge is upgrading the Vzpenjača fast-charging station to enhance energy efficiency and independence from the grid. Currently, the fast charger relies entirely on grid power, requiring a fully dimensioned network power supply. The primary challenge lies in integrating a battery bank within technical, regulatory, and economic constraints. Another challenge is ensuring charging stability and assessing the impact of the battery bank on e-bus charging under various scenarios.
Project Activities
The implementation of this pilot requires a structured approach, starting with a technical feasibility study that examines the potential of integrating second-life batteries and RES into the existing fast-charging infrastructure. This includes analyzing power demands, energy flows, and potential locations for battery installation. The pilot also shows all the necessary steps for preparing project documentation and carrying out the tender for public procurement for battery bank implementation—selecting contractors and integrating the battery bank into the charging infrastructure while ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory requirements. The tender process will then be initiated, guiding the selection of suppliers and contractors for procuring the battery bank and essential components. If required, the pilot will also showcase the process of obtaining building permits, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements before installation begins. The system’s performance will be monitored for 6 months to assess its efficiency, stability, and potential cost savings, helping to determine the long-term viability of scaling similar energy storage solutions within Maribor’s public transport network.
Conclusion
By implementing second-life batteries for e-bus charging, the Maribor pilot showcases how circular economy models can optimize energy use, reduce costs, and improve public transport efficiency. This initiative serves as a blueprint for future investments in sustainable urban transport infrastructure.
UM – University of Maribor : https://www.um.si/
FGPA – Faculty of civil engineering, traffic engineering and architecture : https://www.fgpa.um.si/
Municipality of Maribor : https://maribor.si/