Measurement of Environmental Impact in the Acquisition of a 100% Electric Fleet
In Ecuador, scientific research in public transport is rare. This study quantifies the environmental and economic impact of Quito’s 60 electric trolleybuses, reducing 8,640 tons of CO₂ annually setting a precedent for evidence-based policymaking
About this Project
This project quantifies the environmental and economic impact of Quito’s transition to a 100% electric trolleybus fleet, an approach rarely seen in Latin American public transport research.
It evaluates CO₂, NOx, CO, and HC emissions, proving that replacing diesel buses with electric trolleybuses eliminates 8,640 tons of CO₂ annually.
Using comparative lifecycle analysis, World Bank carbon pricing ($40/ton), and IDB case studies, it demonstrates the financial and environmental viability of fleet electrification.
The study’s findings, published in an indexed international journal, set a precedent for scientific mobility planning in Ecuador, providing a replicable model for sustainable transport policy.
Key Highlights
Unlike standard fleet upgrades, this project introduces scientific research into Ecuador’s public transport sector, transforming policy decisions into measurable studies.
It is one of the first research-backed fleet evaluations in Latin America, published in an indexed international journal. The study leverages Quito’s existing catenary network, minimizing costs and ensuring an efficient transition to full electrification.
It applies a customized local emission factor model, integrates CO₂ reduction valuation ($20/ton, World Bank), and benchmarks against IDB-supported Latin American cases, setting a new technical standard for evidence-based fleet transitions.
Facts & Figures
- This research established Quito as a leader in scientific mobility planning, marking Ecuador’s first indexed study on fleet electrification.
- It quantified the environmental benefits of replacing diesel buses, proving a CO₂ reduction of 8,640 tons per year and an economic savings of $345,600 annually through avoided emissions.
- The study has already influenced future fleet procurement policies and provides a replicable framework for other Latin American cities.
- By publishing internationally, it has elevated Ecuador’s role in sustainable transport research, reinforcing the importance of science-based policymaking in urban mobility.
