Exploring the World of Electric Buses: Advancing Zero-Emission Public Transport (FutureLearn)

Exploring the World of Electric Buses: Advancing Zero-Emission Public Transport (FutureLearn)

Understand the planning, operation, and maintenance of electric buses to advance a cleaner and greener public transport system. On this six-week course from the Transformative Urban Mobility initiative (TUMI), you’ll learn how e-buses are implemented, operated, financed, and maintained. As you explore the technology, business models, and urban issues of electric mobility, you’ll be preparing for the future of public transport.

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Discover e-buses with TUMI
With a history dating back over 140 years, electric buses have only recently begun to multiply in cities all around the world. They now play a vital role in reducing pollution, cutting costs, and diversifying public transport.

Gain an overview of electric buses and their benefits
Like all electric vehicles, e-buses emit no pollution and are considerably more energy efficient. Research has also shown that they help boost diversity among drivers and passengers.
The course will start with a general introduction to electric buses and their benefits for society, the environment, and individuals.

Understand e-bus planning, financing, and maintenance
Once you’ve understood the motivations for implementing electric buses, you’ll take a closer look at what that implementation might involve.
Weeks 2, 3, and 4 of the course will delve into the planning, financing, and maintenance of e-bus projects.

Prepare for a greener future in global public transport
The overarching aim of this course is on sharing ideas and best practices for zero-emission public transport.
You’ll join an vibrant online community of transport professionals and enthusiasts, who are all committed to working towards a greener future in mobility.
Note: this is the second course in a series on electric mobility, along with ‘Exploring the World of Electric Mobility: Key Concepts and Strategies’.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Electric Buses and their Benefits
Week 2: E-Bus Project Planning & Stakeholders Involvement
Week 3: Technology Selection & Financing Models
Week 4: Operations Planning & Monitoring
Week 5: Staff Training & Employment Opportunities
Week 6: End-of-Life Battery - Scrapping and Recycling Practices of Batteries

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Demonstrate an extensive understanding of zero-emission electric buses, their significance, and their role in addressing environmental concerns and sustainable transportation.
  • Explore various aspects of electric buses: technology, policy, environmental impacts, business models, and integration into urban transport systems.
  • Evaluate diverse resources and real-world examples for informed decision-making while developing a broader perspective and contributing effectively to the development of zero-emission solutions in their specific contexts.
  • Identify the latest advancements and innovations in zero-emission electric buses, keeping up-to-date with the dynamic landscape of this field.
  • Compare different types of electric buses and their applications, while understanding their specific features and capabilities in various transportation scenarios.
  • Assess the potential benefits and challenges of implementing zero-emission buses in various settings, considering infrastructure requirements, operational considerations, and regulatory aspects.
  • Develop personal and professional growth by cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills in sustainable transportation. Gain valuable expertise in electric buses, unlocking numerous opportunities for professional advancement.
  • Demonstrate the readiness to actively contribute and drive positive change during the shift towards sustainable, inclusive, accessible, and eco-friendly transportation systems by comprehensively grasping the concept of zero-emission electric buses.

Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about electric buses, their benefits, and their implementation within transport systems around the world.
It is particularly suited to learners working or planning to work in the transport sector, e.g. policy-makers, urban planners, architects, transport professionals, students, and researchers.

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