Electrifying the bus network with trolleybus: Analyzing the in motion charging technology

Currently, electric buses are becoming more and more popular, and their number in operation is increasing. The range of electric buses is also increasing and solutions that seem to be working almost without fixed infrastructure are being promised. However, this requires the use of high-capacity batteries, which increases the weight and price of the vehicle and causes high costs of battery replacement during operation. Moreover, if we take into account the growing demand for batteries, limited raw material resources, and the environmental impact of the battery production process, the optimization of battery capacity in vehicles may turn out to be a key issue. In this light, trolleybus becomes a sustainable and economically efficient bus electrification technology, if considered in an international scope and a medium- to long-term approach. The article provides a comprehensive study of challenges and potential solutions related to electric buses, which covers the theoretical analysis, technical aspects and practical applications, thus making a valuable resource for readers interested in sustainable urban transport systems. It presents the trolleybus technology, especially with modern solutions, as a sustainable and economically efficient tool for bus electrification. The article shows that the In Motion Charging (IMC) system reduces the need for high-capacity batteries under 100 kWh, which allows to extend their service life up to 15 years and, consequently, to reduce the number of buses needed for operation. The research was based on real measurement data from the transport system in Gdynia (Poland).