The LANDER Electric Bus Simulator for a more sustainable world

Electric vehicles seem on track to dominate global passenger car and bus sales by 2040. According to various studies carried out in the sector, buses will account for over 80% of sales of this type of vehicle in 20 years' time.

Globally, the Asia Pacific region is leading the global electric bus market with government initiatives increasing in countries such as India, China and Japan. China alone accounts for over 90% of the world's electric bus stock and has a 36% market share. It is followed by the US with a 24% share. Europa is in third place with 14%, closely followed by the Middle East.

An increasing number of public and private bodies are firmly committed to the introduction of electric buses as a way of improving energy efficiency in transport and maximising the reduction of pollution levels. This huge change has a considerable impact in various areas within each organisation, one of which is undoubtedly driver training.

The first months of use of electric vehicles in several cities is illustrating the importance of specific training for this type of vehicle, with a particular focus on economically efficient driving techniques. Empirical studies show that there can be a difference of more than 20 percentage points in the battery level at the end of the day between two drivers on the same regulated route, making the driver the factor with the greatest impact on battery performance. Sound battery management by the driver plays a crucial role in extending their lifespan. Batteries are a critical factor in this type of vehicle, affecting not only the high purchase cost of new vehicles but also long-term planning for their renewal. Other key aspects are appropriate use of the regenerative brake and making gradual use of the accelerator.  In cities where vehicles with a manual gearbox are the standard, learning to drive an electric vehicle with no adverse effect for passengers will undoubtedly be another of the challenges that drivers will have to face in adapting to the new vehicles.

Naturally, Lander has closely followed this progress and has developed its first electric bus simulator in close partnership with Solaris, one of the leading global manufacturers in this sector. This innovative development was showcased recently at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Stockholm.

The new electric bus vehicle is a perfect addition to the existing fleet within Lander's heavy goods vehicle simulator. Furthermore, the powerful “Eco-Safety” software for real-time driving analysis will measure parameters such as the consumption of the electric motor, the energy recovered via the regenerative section of the brake pedal and the number of times that the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed. All of them important factors when it comes to having homogeneous drivers when driving this type of vehicle.

The evolution of society towards a more sustainable way of living is now well underway and it is a process in which the transport sector has a pivotal role.  And all the agents involved must work as effectively as possible to support these technological changes.

The Lander team will be delighted to provide you with more information about the electric bus simulator.

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