Electric Bus vs Diesel Bus vs Gasoline Bus: Which One is the Best?

The issue of global warming caused by emissions, primarily from the transportation sector, is a major concern worldwide. Amidst the awareness of the need to take action to reduce these negative impacts, the use of electric buses as public transportation emerges as one of the main solutions offered to cut down exhaust emissions.

In this article, we’ll delve into which option among electric buses, diesel buses, and gasoline buses is the most effective in combating global warming.

Characteristics of Electric Bus, Diesel Bus, and Gasoline Bus

Electric buses, diesel buses, and gasoline buses possess different characteristics, especially concerning the type of fuel used to power their engines.

Electric buses rely on electrical power to operate their engines. The battery capacity of electric buses varies. For instance, Transjakarta buses have a battery capacity of 324 kWh and a range of 250 km.

In contrast, unlike electric engines, diesel and gasoline buses use liquid fuel to propel their engines. Diesel buses require diesel fuel, while gasoline buses run on gasoline.

Comparison of Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Electric Bus, Diesel Bus, and Gasoline Bus

The environmental and public health impacts of electric buses, diesel buses, and gasoline buses differ depending on the type of gas emissions produced by each vehicle.

Electric buses are considered the most environmentally friendly since they don’t emit exhaust emissions. The reduction of air pollution resulting from the use of electric buses ultimately has a more positive impact on health, particularly on the human respiratory system.

However, unlike electric vehicles, diesel buses and gasoline buses emit exhaust gasses such as NOx or mono-nitrogen oxides NO and NO₂, which are harmful to the environment as they can cause acid rain and damage forests. This also has negative health effects, such as nasal, throat, eye irritation, and dizziness.

Comparison of Operating Costs of Electric Bus, Diesel Bus, and Gasoline Bus

The high price of batteries and other supporting components makes electric buses tend to be more expensive than diesel or gasoline buses. However, the operational costs required for electric buses are relatively lower compared to other conventional buses. For example, for every kilometer traveled, a diesel-fueled bus spends around IDR 3,200, while electric vehicles only require 0.85 kWh per kilometer or about IDR 654.

From the above analysis, it can be concluded that electric buses are the best option for long-term use from both environmental and economic perspectives, despite requiring a large initial investment.

Technological Developments and Innovations in Electric Bus

Electric bus technology is rapidly evolving with various innovations launched to improve its efficiency and performance compared to gasoline or diesel buses. One such development is the increase in electric bus fleets by 140% during 2023 in Indonesia. Not only that, but innovations are also made by replacing imported components with domestically made components.

Indonesian Government Policy on Adopting Electric Bus

Government policy plays a crucial role in promoting the adoption of electric-powered buses as environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The Indonesian government provides subsidies for electric vehicles, including bus fleets that have met a minimum of 40% Domestic Component Level (TKDN). This is one form of the government’s commitment to developing the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia.

That’s the discussion on the best choice between electric buses, diesel buses, and gasoline buses for the environment. To mitigate environmental damage, several recommendations can be implemented through electric vehicles, such as promoting the use of electric buses through comprehensive charging infrastructure, gradually reducing the use of diesel and gasoline buses, and prioritizing technology and sustainability as key factors in selecting the type of future transportation buses.