Researchers from the Transport Innovation Unit at the International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) estimate that replacing 772 conventional and hybrid buses in Barcelona with electric vehicles could lead to savings of €66.5 million over 15 years. The study, commissioned by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), projects the total ownership and operating cost of a fully electric fleet over 15 years at €794.4 million, compared to €826.9 million for a renewal with conventional vehicles.
Factoring in potential revenue from energy saving certificates (CAE), the estimated net cost of electrification would decrease to €760.4 million. This mechanism allows verified energy savings to be converted into sellable certificates. The estimated savings comprise €32.5 million from a lower total cost of ownership and approximately €34 million in potential revenue from CAEs.
Electrification would require an initial investment of €442.1 million for vehicles and €73 million for infrastructure, compared to €268.2 million for conventional vehicles and €5.9 million for infrastructure. However, operating and maintenance costs are projected to decrease significantly, from €547.5 million to €249.3 million over 15 years.
The study also forecasts annual reductions of over 58,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂), 91.7 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and 594.2 kilograms of particulate emissions. The report estimates an additional €81 million in social benefits due to improvements in climate and air quality.
Economic viability depends on factors such as the proportion of bus replacement, sufficient daily range after overnight charging, and manufacturer warranties for batteries. CIMNE researchers analyzed TMB data and visited bus depots to develop these estimates.
