Feasibility study of hybrid-electric buses in the Asia Pacific

• Main Authors: Ng, Ka Wei, Zhu, Xiaoyan, Chik, Khim Fui, Yeo, Kian Siong, Loke, Gabriel Yew Weng
• Other Authors: Xie Ming
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Manufacturing
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60642
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Hybrid-electric buses are viewed as one of the alternative forms of mass transportation. The main reasons being that they are less dependent on traditional fuels and also create less pollution. In this dissertation, the possibility of operating hybrid-electric buses in Asia-Pacific cities are investigated and its potential markets identified. Factors contributing to the study were consolidated and evaluated via field-study trips and on-site interviews with representatives from the relevant industries. Analyses of the market conditions and existing hybrid-electric technology indicate that a small-scale demand for such buses exists in Hong Kong, Shenzhen (in China), Thailand and Singapore. In particular, 7-metre singledeck public buses are needed in Hong Kong. Designating Shenzhen as the location for setting up an assembly plant, engineering management issues such as lIT and Kanban manufacturing philosophies, capacity planning, computer simulation, inventory management system, material flow, plant layout and cost analysis were explored. The findings indicate that there is a potential to setup a 18,000 m2 plant in Shenzhen to produce approximately 240 such buses per year for use in Hong Kong. The estimated selling price is US$170,000 per vehicle and the payback period of the plant is slightly less than 10 years.