The national platform Initiative Elektrobus has been established to work cooperatively towards standards and technological readiness in e-bus technology.
Initiated in 2016 by public transport operators (PTOs) from Hamburg and Berlin; to date the platform consists of 18 members. The main aim is knowledge transfer and peer-review between PTOs and other stakeholders. The network is used for exchange of experiences and of document templates (e.g. technical specifications) and contributes to a better overall implementation of e-mobility in Germany through common knowledge and a good practice pool. Uncertainties about the upcoming e-mobility transition of individual PTOs are reduced by peer review activities and sharing of best practice. Exchange is stimulated by regular conferences including site-visits.
Another aim is working towards interoperability of e-buses and infrastructure. The need for long-term feasibility requires that e-buses and charging infrastructure from different manufacturers can communicate and function with each other. This way, dependencies on individual OEMs are avoided. If one area is served by multiple PTOs, mutual use of the infrastructure is beneficial from an economical and logistical point of view.
Relevant partners are identified and involved, e.g. bus manufacturers, manufacturers of charging infrastructure, public administration.
Resources needed
The practice requires few resources from individual PTOs. In the case of the VDV, a membership fee is required, which depends on the economic strengths of the PTOs.
Evidence of success
This format has been successful since 2016. Members highlight the value of exchanging with peers and learning from each other (database with document templates for e.g. technical specifiactions for tenders, more power vis-a-vis manufacturers towards standardasiation and against proprietary solutions).
Potential for learning or transfer
Transferability to other countries might be limited, since PTOs in Germany can cooperate more freely: Often, major cities own the local transport provider. Due to this public ownership the PTOs are not in a competitive situation with each other. In other regions, where PTOs are competing, free knowledge sharing and collaboration might be less attractive or even impossible. Nevertheless, key aspects such as peer-review of concepts and working towards uniform standards, can be transferred to other regions.
Tags: Collaborative, Electromobility, Peer review
