Energy efficiency modelling of electric buses at signalized intersections

Improving the operational efficiency of electric buses (e-buses) in congested urban areas is essential for advancing sustainable transport in Indonesia. This paper assesses the potential energy savings achieved through coordinated signal control using a combined traffic shockwave and mass–energy transfer kinetics approach. A three-intersection arterial corridor was evaluated to compare uncoordinated, partially coordinated, and fully coordinated (green-wave) operations. The results show that coordinated signal timing can reduce battery energy consumption by 55–87% relative to uncoordinated operation, with auxiliary idling and repeated acceleration events contributing more than 85% of intersection-related energy losses. Integrating adaptive traffic control with regenerative braking strategies can further enhance e-bus energy efficiency and operational range. These findings demonstrate that signal coordination is a low-cost, high-impact measure capable of supporting Indonesia’s clean energy transition, strengthening the operational sustainability of Jakarta’s Bus Rapid Transit system, and lowering long-term urban emissions and operating costs.