M2G-ITS Lab Workshop 2024 @Kyoto University:
Mobility2Grid: Electrification of public transportation in Japan and Germany
Transition Process, Impacts and Risks
7th — 9th May 2024
The event will take place hybrid. You can take part in this event on site in Kyoto or online via Zoom (click on the Zoom box). Please register in advance. The registration form, our program and further information can be found further down on this page.
On Site in Kyoto
Day 1
Kyoto University, Clock Tower, Yoshida Campus, 36 Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606‑8317, Japan
Day 2
Kyoto University, Katsura Campus, Katsura C‑Cluster C1, Kyotodaigakukatsura, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615‑8246, Japan
Day 3 (only on site)
Kyoto University, Katsura Campus, Katsura C‑Cluster C1, Kyotodaigakukatsura, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615‑8246, Japan
Online via Zoom
Digital participation (via Zoom) is possible during the event period via the following link:
Introduction
Electrification of vehicles fleets is fast progressing in many countries. However, today, more than 90% of buses in Germany and Japan still depend on internal combustion engines. Stakeholders from both countries are actively engaged in developing technologies and strategic planning to promote more sustainable environmental and post-fossil alternatives. Both countries will increase the number of electric buses in the upcoming years significantly. In addition to the vehicles, the depots are at the heart of electrification. The depots thus become more than just “parking” locations. They enable the intelligent combination of electric power and mobility. The integration of electric public transport systems and multifunctional depots shall be addressed in a two-day workshop. We will focus on bus operation and depots but are also interested in the discussion on other vehicle depots including shared mobility and logistics facilities and, more broadly, vehicle-to-grid concepts.
On the first day, we will look at the potential, implications and risks of the electrification of the entire public and private transport sector. Despite concerns about reliable and widespread charging infrastructure, social acceptance (e.g., price or range anxiety for EV users) slowing down the adoption of electric transportation. Additionally, research findings discuss the environmental impact of battery production and disposal, as well as the source of electricity used for charging, which could negate some of the environmental benefits if derived from non-renewable sources. Balancing the benefits of electrification with these risks requires careful planning and investment in infrastructure and sustainable energy sources.
On the second day, we review and discuss lessons-learnt of 10 years electric bus research in Berlin, resulting in close cooperation with the Berlin transport operator BVG. The optimization and flexibilization of charging and operation for a whole fleet will be presented and discussed. Within that the renewal of bus depots will be explained, as these places can help to optimize the charging process, stabilize the grid, integrate renewable energy, reduce costs, and enable efficient fleet management. The interaction between buses and depots plays a vital role in the successful adoption of electric vehicles for public transportation.
In the final session we will broaden the perspective and also consider other forms of public transport, in particular shared electric micromobility. The rapid advance of e‑scooters, e‑bikes and shared (mini-)cars will have implications for public transport planning and these vehicles also require intelligent charging strategies.
The workshop will identify opportunities for the use of V2G in public transport and discuss how both countries can work more closely together in the future to achieve climate-neutral transport. In this context, we aim to bring together leading together industry and scientific partners from Germany and Japan at Kyoto University.
The event takes place in Japanese Standard Time (JST).
Program
Day 1 , 7th May 2024
| JST | Content | Slides |
| 13:30 | Registration, welcome, coffee & snacks | |
| 14:00 |
OpeningGreetings and Introduction: Motivation and goals of this conference Greetings and Introduction Introduction to Mobility2Grid Prof. Dr. Hans-Liudger Dienel (via Zoom) , TU Berlin, Mobility2Grid |
|
Electrification of Public Transport — The Operator Perspective
|
Download Slides | |
| 15:00 |
Key NoteElectrification of public and private transportation: Opportunities, risks and barriers Moderation: Franziska Kaiser, TU Berlin, Mobility2Grid |
Download Slides |
| 16:00 | Break, coffee & snacks | |
| 16:30 |
Session 1Electrification of Public Bus Systems |
|
| Exploring the profitability of using electric bus fleets for transport and power grid services Dr. Wenzhe Sun, Kyoto University We investigate the feasibility of the novel “Bus-to-Grid” (B2G) concept that allows battery E‑buses to provide transportation as well as power-grid services. We propose and model two contracts the bus operator can arrange with the power grid, helping the bus operator to open up a secondary revenue source to fareboxes. |
Download Slides | |
| Framework for Considering Electrification of Bus Routes: Demonstration Experiment Using Osaka University Inter-Campus Shuttle Bus Assoc. Prof. Katsuya Sakai, Mobility System Joint Research Chair, Graduate School of Eng., Osaka University |
Download Slides | |
| From Planning to Operation of Electric Bus Depots: Integrated IT Systems for Depot and Charging Management Dr. Enrico Lauth (via Zoom) , IVU Traffic Technologies AG, Project Manager |
Download Slides | |
| Electrifying and improving the quality of vehicle and services in rural areas and its acceptability Assoc. Prof. Yusuke Kanda, National Institute of Technology, (KOSEN), Kure College In Japan, experimental projects of various types of electric buses and autonomous buses have been conducted. However, a roadmap toward realization has not been clearly drawn especially cost and profitability issues. On the other hand, it is also becoming increasingly recognized that the introduction of new mobility brings new values. |
Download Slides | |
|
The aim of this session is to highlight and discuss benefits and challenges of transitioning from traditional fossil-fuel-powered buses to electric alternatives. Representatives from both Japan and Germany will present their status-quo and give an outlook of upcoming plans. Scientific inputs will than reveal the economic advantages, highlighting potential cost savings and increased energy efficiency of electrified buses and the application of V2G technology. We discuss how buses can stabilize the grid and bring economic revenues when certain planning obstacles can be solved. Moderation: Fumitaka Kurauchi |
||
| 18:00 |
Reflection and Final Remarks for the First DayProf. Dr. Dietmar Göhlich, TU Berlin, Mobility2Grid |
|
| 18:15 | End of Day 1 Reception with drinks |
Day 2 , 8th May 2024
| 09:00 | Welcome day 2, coffee | |
| 09:30 |
Session 2 Research in Berlin Bus Electrification Research in Berlin — Past, Present and Future
|
Download Slides |
| 11:00 | Break, coffee & snacks | |
| 11:15 |
Electrification of Public Transport — The Operator Perspective
|
|
|
Keihan’s Experience with Use of Electric Buses for Urban Public Transportation Sonoaki Okubo
Section Chief, ICT Promotion Department and Corporate Planning Office, Keihan Bus Co., Ltd. –
|
Download Slides | |
|
Demonstration of the Operation of the Kyoto Keihan e‑Bus with the SUMO simulation platform Dr. Andreas Keler, Kyoto University
–
|
Download Slides | |
|
Business and Financing Models for Transitioning to Electric Buses Jack Crawford, Kyoto University
|
Download Slides | |
|
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Nobuhiro Uno, Kyoto University |
||
| 12:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:30 |
Session 3Development of multifunctional depots and mobility hubs |
|
|
The depot and charging facility location problem for electrifying urban bus services This study develops an optimization model to systematically locate depots and relevant facilities for deploying mixed types of buses during the transition from diesel-consuming buses to electric ones, where practical concerns, such as the selection of fleet size, land acquisition, bus allocation, and deadhead mileage, are factored. – |
Download Slides | |
|
Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility and Logistics through the Integration of Multifunctional Hubs Multifunctional commercial and mobility hubs are cooperatively used locations in urban areas, generating and providing sustainable energy for diverse vehicle fleets. This presentation introduces approaches and implementation strategies from Mobility2Grid research, highlighting the role of multifunctional hubs to promote sustainable urban mobility solutions. – |
Download Slides | |
|
Shared autonomous vehicle system in residential suburban areas The shared autonomous vehicle can be first- and last-mile transit service. The operation of shared autonomous vehicle system is simulated for residential suburban area, Japan. The effect of electrification of the fleet is investigated in connection with locations of fleet charging depots. |
Download Slides | |
|
This session is dedicated to exploring the development of multifunctional depots and mobility hubs to promote sustainable mobility solutions. Multifunctionality offers numerous opportunities, including cost and space savings, yet it also presents various challenges. The session will begin with a discussion on location issues associated with electrification. Throughout the session, we will present concepts, acceptance factors, and potential implementation strategies into business processes based on research from the Mobility2Grid project. The different conditions in Germany and Japan will be discussed, highlighting both economic and ecological aspects. Moderation: Alexander Grahle |
||
| 15:00 | Break, coffee & snacks | |
| 15:15 |
Session 4Micro mobility in Germany and Japan:
|
|
|
Analysis of electric moped scooter sharing in Berlin: – |
Download Slides | |
|
Ongoing Kyoto-Berlin research on station-based micro mobility – |
Download Slides | |
|
Freefloating, Station based or Hybrid Sharing Systems — Availability is key! An important factor for the acceptance and success of micromobility in the urban mobility mix is the ideal combination of a tidy streetscape and the availability of vehicles. Ideally, this combination is also conceived in cooperation with local public transport and is based on local conditions. A field report from Berlin. |
Download Slides | |
|
The electrification of micro-mobility, which includes e‑scooters, electric bicycles, and other small electric vehicles, offers numerous potentials for cities and public transport operators. These small-scale mobility tools (“Mobilitätswerkzeuge”) can enhance accessibility for short- distance trips, especially in congested urban areas like Kyoto or Berlin where larger vehicles may not be practical. It provides last-mile connectivity to public transit stations, enabling people to complete their journeys conveniently. Electrification of micro-mobility requires the development of a robust charging infrastructure. Charging stations for these vehicles need to be strategically placed throughout urban areas to ensure their availability and usability. We will explore the opportunities and different challenges in Germany and Japan, by not only looking at technical aspects but also by reflecting on social acceptance and different cultural attitudes towards an integration of micro-mobility into daily travel routines. Moderation: Franziska Kaiser, Mobility2Grid |
||
| 16:15 |
Open discussion and Final Remarks |
|
| 16:30 | End of Day 2 |
Day 3 , 9th May 2024
| 09:00 | Welcome day 3 , coffee |
| 09:30 |
WorkshopDesigning Sustainable Transportation Systems:Methods and Research Opportunities for Net-Zero Transportation
|
| 12:30 | End of Day 3
Joint lunch at cafeteria (Katsura Campus) |
Keynote
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ortwin Renn
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ortwin Renn is a sociologist, economist and sustainability scientist. His research interests include risk management and communication, participation research and social impact analysis of technical progress. Renn is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the German Academy of Science and Engineering Acatech (where he also serves on the Executive Committee) and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, among others. Renn served as Scientific Director at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) from Feb. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2022 (since Jan. 1, 2023 Research Institute for Sustainability — Helmholtz Center Potsdam). Until his retirement, Renn also worked as a full professor for environment and technology assessment at the University of Stuttgart. Renn is a visiting professor at Beijing Normal University (China), University of Stavanger (Norway) and Kyoto University (Japan).
Speaker
Prof. Dr. Dietmar Göhlich
Chair of Methods in Product Development and Mechatronics at the TU Berlin and spokesperson for the Mobility2Grid research campus.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jan-Dirk Schmöcker
Associate Professor Kyoto University, Department for Urban Management
Franziska Kaiser
Managing Director of the Research Campus
Jonas Fahlbusch
Jonas is responsible for the “Knowledge Transfer” of M2G. His research focuses on the evaluation and development of station-based micromobility in urban areas
Prof. Dr. Yu-Ting Hsu
Associate professor and car-free campus planner of NTU and triathlon finisher
Dr.-Ing. Tu-Anh Fay
Chief Engineer and Head of Research Group Sustainable Mobility Systems at Chair of Methods in Product Development and Mechatronics at the TU Berlin
Prof. Toshiyuki Yamamoto
Professor of transport planning and travel behavior analysis at Institute of Materials and Systems for Sustainability
Dr. Enrico Lauth
before Enrico joined IVU Traffic Technologies AG as Project Manager for Electric Bus System, he worked as a Managing Director for M2G
Dr. Daniel Hesse
Head of the Technology and Innovation department at Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).
Assoc. Prof. Yusuke Kanda
Particularly specialized in transportation communication strategies, and a member of national and local government councils.
Lars Tasche
Research assistant at the Mobility2Grid research campus and Chair of Logistics at the TU Berlin
Assoc. Prof. Katsuya Sakai
Marco Zahn
Regional Manager Berlin & Brandenburg
Prof. Dr. Hans-Liudger Dienel
Full Professor for Work, Technology and Participation at Technische Universität Berlin, Dean for Internationalization
Dr. Wenzhe Sun
Postdoc researcher at the Department of Urban Management
Alexander Grahle
Deputy Managing Director of the Research Campus
Dr. Andreas Keler
JSPS International Research Fellow, Post-Doc at Kyoto University, Intelligent Transport System Lab
Sonoaki Okubo
Section Chief, ICT Promotion Department and Corporate Planning Office
Contact
Contact person M2G in Germany:
Jonas Fahlbusch
Science Campus Mobility2Grid (M2G)
Chair of Work Studies, Technology & Participation (ARTE)
Technische Universität Berlin
jonas.fahlbusch@tu-berlin.de
.
Contact person ITS Lab in Japan:
Jan-Dirk Schmöcker, Assoc. Professor
Department of Urban Management
Kyoto University
schmoecker@trans.kuciv.kyoto‑u.ac.jp
Registration
Coorganized by:
