Ecodriving training for electric bus (trolley) drivers

Electric vehicles are considered as highly efficient in terms of energy consumption as well as CO2 and air pollutants emissions. Nevertheless, the aforementioned efficiency relies heavily on the users’ driving style. An aggressive driving style greatly reduces such benefits when compared to a more smooth and efficient driving style.
Ecodriving is a method of driving that reduces fuel/energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and road accidents. Although the number of ecodriving trainings has increased significantly over the last years, little literature is available on such trainings for drivers of electric heavy-duty vehicles. To fill this gap, CRES proceeded in a six month monitoring program and pilot ecodriving training for drivers of the electric buses (trolley buses) operator (ILPAP) in Athens, Greece.
Five drivers were selected to participate in this pilot action. The training and monitoring program included a 4 month monitoring period of the drivers’ driving style, prior to the ecodriving training, in order to establish a baseline for future comparison. Then, a 2-days Ecodriving, on-the-job training took place including theory and practice. The pilot training was followed then by a 2-month monitoring period. Reporting data included electric energy consumption (kWh), driven distance (km) and regenerative energy produced from braking (kWh). Finally a report with the results was prepared and distributed to ILPAP for further actions.