Data driven Energy Economy Prediction for electricity buses Using Machine Learning

Abstract

Electrification of transportation systems is increasing; in particular city buses raise enormous potential. Deep understanding of real- world
driving data is essential for vehicle design and fleet operation. Various technological aspects must be considered to run alternative power trains
efficiently. Uncertainty about energy demand results in conservative design which implies inefficiency and high costs. Both, industry, and
academia miss analytical solutions to solve this problem due to complexity and interrelation of parameters. Precise energy demand prediction
enables significant cost reduction by optimized operations. This paper aims at increased transparency of battery electric buses’ (BEB) energy
economy. We introduce novel sets of explanatory variables to characterize speed profiles, which we utilize in powerful machine learning
methods. We develop and comprehensively assess 5 different algorithms regarding prediction accuracy, robustness, and overall applicability.
Achieving a prediction accuracy of more than 94%, our models performed excellent in combination with the sophisticated selection of features.
The presented methodology bears enormous potential for manufacturers, fleet operators and communities to transform mobility and thus pave
the way for sustainable, public transportation..