Optimising local energy use in electric bus fleets for a flexible grid future

Electrified transportation systems are redefining operational paradigms within modern power grids, introducing both system-level stressors and value-stacking opportunities. This study investigates the techno-economic implications of implementing smart charging coordination with co-located battery energy storage systems (BESS) and photovoltaic (PV) generation in electric bus (EB) depots. Using time series simulations under capped electricity price regimes, the analysis quantifies system flexibility, load prioritization between PV, battery, and grid sources, and revenue optimization potential. Results highlight the latent value in PV self-consumption, temporal energy arbitrage, and avoided grid costs emphasizing the strategic integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) to enhance grid adaptability, resilience, and economic viability in depot-level smart charging infrastructures.