High fidelity estimates of paratransit energy consumption from per-second GPS tracking data

Paratransit, in particular the minibus taxi, is the mainstay of public transport in sub-Saharan Africa. These vehicles are often second-hand, ageing, fuel inefficient, and expensive to operate -issues that electrification can ameliorate. However, modeling and planning large-scale transi-tions to electric paratransit require reliable estimates of vehicle energy consumption. This paper provides such estimates by applying a vehicle kinetic model to per-second GPS data gathered on minibus taxis. Data include 62 trips across three routes with different driving conditions near Stellenbosch, South Africa. We find a range of energy consumption from 0.29 to 0.51 kWh/km (mean = 0.39 kWh/km). Past estimates in literature relied on per-minute GPS data, which we show leads to inaccurate energy consumption estimates. We recommend new kWh/km values for modeling vehicle operations and grid impact, and discuss how future work can utilize our analysis to advance the transition to electric paratransit sub-Saharan Africa.

Automated summary

Paratransit, especially minibus taxis, play a crucial role in public transport in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these vehicles are often old, fuel inefficient, and expensive to operate. This study provides reliable estimates of vehicle energy consumption by applying a vehicle kinetic model to per-second GPS data collected from minibus taxis in South Africa. The findings suggest a range of energy consumption, with a mean value of 0.39 kWh/km. Previous estimates based on per-minute GPS data were shown to be inaccurate. The study recommends new kWh/km values for modeling vehicle operations and grid impact, and discusses the potential for advancing the transition to electric paratransit in sub-Saharan Africa.