Analyzing Energy Efficiency and Battery Supervision in Electric Bus Integration for Improved Urban Transport Sustainability

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper needs some attention. It needs major revision for its possible publication on sustainability. My comments are listed below:

*The Abstract is too weak. It looks like an introduction. The main elements of the Abstract is not included: Reason for writing (Main objectives), Problem, Methodology, Results, Implications

*Line 90: Birmingham in USA or in UK?

*In the Introduction section, you must link your research with previous research addressing your point. Mention at least the most recent four papers addressing your topic, and then mention the novelty of your research.

*Figure 2: show the routes of the 13 buses included in this study with different color.

*Mention the references of all Equations used in your study.

*Mention the Figure number after the word Figure: for example, “Figure 1” not “1. Figure”. Do this for all figures. Do the same for Tables.

*Figure 4:check the title of the x-axis

*Lines 160, 232, 248, 256, 270, 279, 288, 323, 362, 375, 389, 403, 437, 446, 465, 472: use dot “.” at the end of the word not “:”

*Line 282: Figure 7 not 6

*Table 1 caption should be “Average consumption aggregated by temperature.”

*Section 3.2, line 343: mention the results of previous studies that addressed the same point.

*Lines 330-333: you do not need to explain what is in each row in the Table. Delete these lines.

*Line 351: change to “Table 3 summarises the results”

*Line 358: change “non-permanent” to “substitute”, be uniform.

*Show the average line in Figures 8 & 9.

*Line 406: I could not find “H” in Table 5

*Lines 406-409: again, you do not need to explain what is in each column in the Table. Delete these lines.

*Line 414: Table 6 not 8

*Figure 10 is not clear, I was unable to extract any information from it.

*Discuss Figure 11 and its significance. If it is not important, you can add it as a supplementary file. I see that many figures can be added as a supplementary file, such as Figure 15. It has the same results as Figure 14.

 

*The Conclusions section is too long and much information is not necessary, please re-write it with a focus on the main results/numbers of your study. Please also add the limitations of your study at the end of the conclusion section.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Extensive editing of English language required.

Author Response

Response to Reviewer #1's Comments

This paper needs some attention. It needs major revision for its possible publication on sustainability.

• The Abstract is too weak. It looks like an introduction. The main elements of the Abstract is not included: Reason for writing (Main objectives), Problem, Methodology, Results, Implications.
• Thanks for your comment. We have rewritten the abstract according to the elements requested.
• Line 90: Birmingham in USA or in UK?
• Indeed, Birmingham in the UK was not precisely noted.
• In the Introduction section, you must link your research with previous research addressing your point. Mention at least the most recent four papers addressing your topic, and then mention the novelty of your research.
• Thanks for your comment; it has been corrected as requested. We have added 7 more papers.
• Figure 2: show the routes of the 13 buses included in this study with different color.
• Thank you for your comment. We have marked the routes to be used on the diagram. We tried to color-code all the routes, but because there was a lot of overlap between routes, the figure was not transparent. We hope that this is acceptable.
• Mention the references of all Equations used in your study.
• Thank you for your comment. The references to the equation have been made.
• Mention the Figure number after the word Figure: for example, “Figure 1” not “1. Figure”. Do this for all figures. Do the same for Tables.
• Thank you for your comment; it was not correctly entered. We have checked and corrected the whole article.
• Figure 4:check the title of the x-axis
• The x-axis in Figure 4 was indeed incorrect, but it has been revised.
• Lines 160, 232, 248, 256, 270, 279, 288, 323, 362, 375, 389, 403, 437, 446, 465, 472: use dot “.” at the end of the word not “:”
• Thank you for your comment. It was indeed incorrectly entered in the given lines. The corrections have been made.
• Line 282: Figure 7 not 6.
• Thank you for your comment; it was incorrectly indicated; it has been corrected.
• Table 1 caption should be “Average consumption aggregated by temperature.”
• Thanks for your comment; the proposed version is better; it has been corrected.
• Section 3.2, line 343: mention the results of previous studies that addressed the same point.
• Thank you for your comment. We have reviewed the literature on air conditioning consumption in electric buses. To maintain consistency, we have integrated these references into the Introduction section. We hope that this is acceptable.
• Lines 330-333: you do not need to explain what is in each row in the Table. Delete these lines.
• Thank you for your comment. This is how it is requested in most cases, but we accept that there are too many simple and straightforward explanations. We have deleted it accordingly.
• Line 351: change to “Table 3 summarises the results.”
• . Thank you for your comment; the sentence has been revised.
• Line 358: change “non-permanent” to “substitute”, be uniform.
• Thank you for your comment; this is a better definition.
• Show the average line in Figures 8 & 9.
• Thank you for your suggestion. We agree that this makes the figure easier to understand, so we have made the requested modifications.
• Line 406: I could not find “H” in Table 5
• Indeed wrongly marked, corrected accordingly.
• Lines 406-409: again, you do not need to explain what is in each column in the Table. Delete these lines.
• Thank you for your comment; we also accept the simplification proposal in this case.
• Line 414: Table 6 not 8
• Thank you for your comment; we did misspell it. After proofreading, this part was also revised, and the numbering was corrected.
• Figure 10 is not clear, I was unable to extract any information from it.
• Thank you for your comment. The figure illustrates the voltage variation of each cell following the measurement process. Additionally, it demonstrates the extent of variation observed when the voltage profiles are superimposed, highlighting that the millivolt values do not perfectly align.
• Discuss Figure 11 and its significance. If it is not important, you can add it as a supplementary file. I see that many figures can be added as a supplementary file, such as Figure 15. It has the same results as Figure 14.
• Thank you for your comment. We have considered the proposal and accepted it in both cases. In the first case, the aim is to show the overall differences that appear incorrect, but Figure 12 is a better illustration. In the second case, the aim was also to obtain similar results, but it is sufficient to describe this. As a consequence, both figures have been deleted.
• The Conclusions section is too long and much information is not necessary, please re-write it with a focus on the main results/numbers of your study. Please also add the limitations of your study at the end of the conclusion section.
• Thank you for your comment. Indeed, the conclusion was long, but we tried to cover all the aspects examined, and it became more like a discussion. However, the introduction of a new conclusion would have resulted in multiple descriptions of the same information. We have shortened it as requested, and unnecessary sentences have been removed.
• Extensive editing of English language required.
• We agree with the reviewer's proposal and have extensively proofread and rewritten the article.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1.       The labeling method of figures is inconsistent before and after Figure 9. Please ensure uniform labeling throughout the figures for clarity and consistency.

2.       It would be much better if authors give a clearer statement of the study's objectives at the end of the introduction section

3.       Please ensure that all variables and parameters are clearly defined when first introduced.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The manuscript is generally clear, but could benefit from simplifying some complex sentences to enhance readability. Additionally, the text contains minor grammatical errors. 

Author Response

Response to Reviewer #2's Comments

• The labeling method of figures is inconsistent before and after Figure 9. Please ensure uniform labeling throughout the figures for clarity and consistency.
• Thank you for your comment; the figures were not consistent. We have checked them all and corrected them where necessary.
• It would be much better if authors give a clearer statement of the study's objectives at the end of the introduction section.
• Thank you for your comment; we have revised the introduction section accordingly.
• Please ensure that all variables and parameters are clearly defined when first introduced.
• Thank you for your comment. For clarity, we have added an acronym table to follow all notations.
• The manuscript is generally clear, but could benefit from simplifying some complex sentences to enhance readability. Additionally, the text contains minor grammatical errors.
• Thank you for your comment. Based on the other review 1, extensive English language editing has been performed on the article.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 

In the present paper, there is an attempt to investigate the factors affecting the integration of electric buses in urban transport.  For that reason, a case study of Győr, Hungary has been considered and discussed. There are several comments and proposed changes.

Comments

·        The title of the paper does not comply with the conducted study.

·        The paper complies in general with the journal subject area,

·        The solution provided is poorly described and is only partly supported by the provided results.

·      Upgrade abstract to point out the study’s objectives -the case study is not mentioned in the abstract at all. Need for major revisions.

·        Major revisions on introduction - not clearly stating and underlying the scope, novelty, and content of the study – no input on what the study is about only general information in the area of interest – not well-structured

·        Before the case study section, a methodology section is needed to describe the different factors that will be analyzed within the case study

·        Upgrade conclusions to point out the study’s results and observations enhance the conclusion section to strengthen the novelty of the described solution and the scientific importance of the obtained results. Need for major revisions.

Typos/editing

·          “Facilitating selecting and assessing different routes, stopping points, and charging times.” ?? - rephrase

·          line 42 “at the national level” - without the

·          Line 48 rephrase - Electric public transportation, such as battery electric buses (BEB) and rail vehicles, consist environmentally friendly transport solutions that help to increase energy efficiency.

·          line 193 Fig. 1 no Figure 1

·          line 206 EVs use abbreviation

·          line  209 voltage𝑉̅𝑡′ - add space

·          refer to equations’  numbers (eq. (3), (4), (5)) within the text

·          line 213  𝑉̅𝑡′is - add space

·          line 213 use figure number in the text

·          figure 4 caption x-axis label date no data

·          line 213 use figure number in the text

·          line 303, 351, 405 use tables numbers in the text

·          line 378 In Fig. 8, …

·          line 395 The distances (no km)

·          line 457 rate no %

 

Author Response

Response to Reviewer #3's Comments

In the present paper, there is an attempt to investigate the factors affecting the integration of electric buses in urban transport. For that reason, a case study of Győr, Hungary has been considered and discussed. There are several comments and proposed changes.

• The title of the paper does not comply with the conducted study.
• Thank you for your comment! We agree with the discrepancy between the title and the content and have, therefore, revised the text to reflect the content of the study.
• The paper complies in general with the journal subject area.
• Thank you for your feedback. We trust that the revisions undertaken will meet the necessary standards for acceptance.
• The solution provided is poorly described and is only partly supported by the provided results.
• Thank you for your comment. We have clarified the descriptions within the article as per the reviewers' suggestions. We trust that these amendments will be satisfactory.
• Upgrade abstract to point out the study’s objectives -the case study is not mentioned in the abstract at all. Need for major revisions.
• Thank you for your comment. The abstract has been majorly revised in accordance with the other reviews.
• Major revisions on introduction - not clearly stating and underlying the scope, novelty, and content of the study – no input on what the study is about only general information in the area of interest – not well-structured
• Thank you for your comment. Indeed, significant weaknesses were identified in the introduction. In accordance with feedback from other reviewers, it has been majorly revised.
• Before the case study section, a methodology section is needed to describe the different factors that will be analyzed within the case study
• Thank you for your comment. The Materials and Methods section has been expanded to include factors influencing the results.
• Upgrade conclusions to point out the study’s results and observations enhance the conclusion section to strengthen the novelty of the described solution and the scientific importance of the obtained results. Need for major revisions.
• Thank you for your comment. We have made major revisions to the conclusion in line with the other reviews.
• Facilitating selecting and assessing different routes, stopping points, and charging times.” ?? – rephrase
• Thank you for your comment. The entire abstract has been rewritten, including this sentence.
• line 42 “at the national level” - without the
• Thank you for your comment, it has been corrected.
• Line 48 rephrase - Electric public transportation, such as battery electric buses (BEB) and rail vehicles, consist environmentally friendly transport solutions that help to increase energy efficiency.
• Thank you for your comment, it has been modified.
• line 193 Fig. 1 no Figure 1
• Thank you for your comment. Indeed, in several cases, it was wrongly provided; it has been corrected.
• line 206 EVs use abbreviation
• Thank you for your comment, it has been corrected
• line 209 voltage?̅?′ - add space
• Thank you for your comment, it has been corrected
• refer to equations’ numbers (eq. (3), (4), (5)) within the text
• Thank you for your comment, it has been corrected
• line 213  ?̅?′is - add space
• Thank you for your comment, it has been corrected
• line 213 use figure number in the text
• Thank you for your comment, but we do not know exactly which figure is being referred to (line 213 is not available). All figure references have been checked and corrected where necessary. It is important to note that the article has undergone intensive language editing and has been subject to several revisions and rewrites.
• figure 4 caption x-axis label date no data
• Thank you for your comment, it has been corrected.
• line 213 use figure number in the text
• Thank you for your comment, but we do not know exactly which figure is being referred to (line 213 is not available). All figure references have been checked and corrected where necessary. It is important to note that the article has undergone intensive language editing and has been subject to several revisions and rewrites.
• line 303, 351, 405 use tables numbers in the text
• Thank you for your comment, we have referred to the tables where indicated.
• line 378 In Fig. 8, …
• Thank you for your comment; we have corrected it as requested.
• line 395 The distances (no km)
• Thank you for your comment, we have corrected it as requested.
• line 457 rate no %
• Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, we do not understand exactly where the mark is missing. However, due to other reviews, this section has been revised (2 figures have been deleted.)

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper is interesting and well-structured. However, some comments are as follows:

1. In the "Results and discussions" section, you can add another Figure or specify which of these parameters influence the consumption of a fleet of electric buses. 

2. Please add any specific innovations in energy management and battery optimisation. 

3. Please specify the limitations of your research work.

225.  

225.  

225.  

Author Response

Response to Reviewer #4's Comments

The paper is interesting and well-structured. However, some comments are as follows:

• In the "Results and discussions" section, you can add another Figure or specify which of these parameters influence the consumption of a fleet of electric buses.
• Thank you for your comment! We have added such a figure in the results section.
• Please add any specific innovations in energy management and battery optimisation.
• Thank you for your comment! The title was wrongly defined; the article does not include specific innovations in energy management and battery optimization. Consequently, the title and the abstract, among others, have been revised to reflect the article's content better.
• Please specify the limitations of your research work.
• Thank you for your comment. The conclusion has been extended to the limitations in line with other reviews.

 

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thanks for considering most of my comments, but there is still one comment not considered sufficiently:

1. Abstract: Include the "numbers" that represent the main findings of your research.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required.

Author Response

Thanks for considering most of my comments, but there is still one comment not considered sufficiently:

• Abstract: Include the "numbers" that represent the main findings of your research.
• Thanks for your comment. The following has been added to the abstract:

The study found that energy consumption peaked at 116.73 kWh/100 km in the lowest temperature range of −5 °C to 0 °C. Consumption decreased significantly with rising temperatures, dropping by 25 kWh between 5 °C and 10 °C and by an additional 10 kWh between 10 °C and 15 °C. Beyond 20 °C, variations were more influenced by route and driving style than by temperature. Route and driver variability significantly influenced energy consumption, with up to threefold differences across routes due to factors such as road type and traffic volume. Additionally, a 31.85% difference between the most and least efficient drivers, highlighting the critical impact of driving style.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Before the case study section, a methodology section is needed to describe the different factors that will be analyzed within the case study.

Author Response

• Before the case study section, a methodology section is needed to describe the different factors that will be analyzed within the case study.
• Thank you for your comment. The following explanation has been added to the Materials and Methods section.

The study identifies several factors that can significantly influence the results. The first category includes environmental and external factors, such as temperature, weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow), and road conditions (e.g., slipperiness, slopes). These are followed by technical and operational factors, encompassing battery capacity and the bus's energy consumption, which may vary with changes in vehicle speed. Human influences are also crucial, manifested through driver behavior, driving style, and the number and distribution of passengers. Organizational and strategic factors, such as route planning, stop allocation, and charging strategies, can also affect outcomes and reproducibility. Lastly, financial and economic factors may arise when modifying routes and stops or using air conditioning consumption control. Each influencing factor, as well as those omitted, is addressed within the specific analysis.