Under the Promotion of Transformation to Sustainable and Climate-friendly E-mobility initiative of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), a knowledge product ‘Renewable Powered Electric Bus Depot Design and Strategies’ is developed.
India’s transition to electric mobility is accelerating, with thousands of e-buses being deployed across cities. However, their success depends on depots that can provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable charging infrastructure. The report presents a roadmap for integrating renewable energy into depot operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting emissions.
A renewable-powered depot combines rooftop solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and smart grid technologies to meet growing energy needs. This approach lowers operating costs, ensures charging reliability, and supports India’s climate goals. By embedding clean energy, efficient layouts, and digital energy management systems, depots become energy-secure hubs.
Case studies, including operational depots in Surat, highlight how solar and storage integration can reduce electricity costs by up to 30% while improving resilience. The report focuses on the importance of planning for scalability, grid integration, and safety compliance. It also emphasises the role of public-private partnerships, innovative tariff mechanisms, and supportive regulations to make these depots financially viable.
Ultimately, renewable-powered e-bus depots are crucial to achieving sustainable and low-emission urban mobility. They offer replicable models for cities nationwide, ensuring India’s public transport is future-ready, climate-friendly, and cost-efficient.
