Mobility2Grid: Electrification of public transportation in Japan and Germany

Electrification of vehicles fleets is fast progressing in many countries. However, today, more than 90% of buses in Germany and Japan still depend on internal combustion engines. Stakeholders from both countries are actively engaged in developing technologies and strategic planning to promote more sustainable environmental and post-fossil alternatives. Both countries will increase the number of electric buses in the upcoming years significantly. In addition to the vehicles, the depots are at the heart of electrification. The depots thus become more than just “parking” locations. They enable the intelligent combination of electric power and mobility. The integration of electric public transport systems and multifunctional depots shall be addressed in a two-day workshop. We will focus on bus operation and depots but are also interested in the discussion on other vehicle depots including shared mobility and logistics facilities and, more broadly, vehicle-to-grid concepts.

On the first day, we will look at the potential, implications and risks of the electrification of the entire public and private transport sector. Despite concerns about reliable and widespread charging infrastructure, social acceptance (e.g., price or range anxiety for EV users) slowing down the adoption of electric transport

ation. Additionally, research findings discuss the environmental impact of battery production and disposal, as well as the source of electricity used for charging, which could negate some of the environmental benefits if derived from non-renewable sources. Balancing the benefits of electrification with these risks requires careful planning and investment in infrastructure and sustainable energy sources.

On the second day, we review and discuss lessons-learnt of 10 years electric bus research in Berlin, resulting in close cooperation with the Berlin transport operator BVG. The optimization and flexibilization of charging and operation for a whole fleet will be presented and discussed. Within that the renewal of bus depots will be explained, as these places can help to optimize the charging process, stabilize the grid, integrate renewable energy, reduce costs, and enable efficient fleet management. The interaction between buses and depots plays a vital role in the successful adoption of electric vehicles for public transportation.

In the final session we will broaden the perspective and also consider other forms of public transport, in particular shared electric micromobility. The rapid advance of e‑scooters, e‑bikes and shared (mini-)cars will have implications for public transport planning and these vehicles also require intelligent charging strategies.

The workshop will identify opportunities for the use of V2G in public transport and discuss how both countries can work more closely together in the future to achieve climate-neutral transport. In this context, we aim to bring together leading together industry and scientific partners from Germany and Japan at Kyoto University.

Attendance

The event will take place hybrid. You can take part in this event on site in Kyoto or online via Zoom. Please register in advance: https://mobility2grid.de/2024/02/21/m2g-symposium-kyoto/.

On Site in Kyoto:

Day 1: 07.05.2024 - 13:30 - 18:15 Uhr
Kyoto University, Clock Tower, Yoshida Campus, 36 Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606‑8317, Japan

Day 2: 08.05.2024 - 9:00 - 16:30 Uhr
Kyoto University, Katsura Campus, Katsura C‑Cluster C1, Kyotodaigakukatsura, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615‑8246, Japan

Day 3: 09.05.2024 - 9:00 - 12:30 Uhr (only on site)
Kyoto University, Katsura Campus, Katsura C‑Cluster C1, Kyotodaigakukatsura, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615‑8246, Japan

Co-Organizer:

• DWIH Tokyo
• Kyoto University
• Nagoya University COI-NEXT

Language

English

Keynote

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ortwin Renn

Speaker

A list of all speakers can be found here: https://mobility2grid.de/2024/02/21/m2g-symposium-kyoto/#speaker.

Program

For the detailed program of the three days please see: https://mobility2grid.de/2024/02/21/m2g-symposium-kyoto/#program.

Registration

Entry fee: free

Please register via: https://mobility2grid.de/2024/02/21/m2g-symposium-kyoto/#anmeldung.

Contact

Contact person M2G in Germany:

Jonas Fahlbusch
Science Campus Mobility2Grid (M2G)
Chair of Work Studies, Technology & Participation (ARTE)
Technische Universität Berlin
jonas.fahlbusch@tu-berlin.de

Contact person ITS Lab in Japan:

Jan-Dirk Schmöcker, Assoc. Professor
Department of Urban Management
Kyoto University
schmoecker@trans.kuciv.kyoto‑u.ac.jp