Enhancing Sustainability in Urban Transportation with Innovative Mechanical Engineering Solutions for Electric Buses in Jakarta

This study looks into how novel mechanical engineering solutions for electric bus technology in Jakarta could change the industry, with an emphasis on improving sustainability, efficiency, and performance. Quantitative data was gathered through technical inspections, stakeholder questionnaires, and real-time monitoring. According to the results, buses with regenerative braking systems, lightweight construction, and cutting-edge drivetrain technologies consume 15% less energy. A comparative investigation revealed a 12% boost in overall speed and responsiveness and a 20% improvement in braking efficiency. The environmental benefits were highlighted by the environmental impact evaluations, which showed a notable 25% reduction in particulate matter and emissions. Positive responses to surveys conducted among passengers and bus operators demonstrated the practical viability and user pleasure of these advances. Although they recognized the potential, city officials stressed the need for a thorough and gradual implementation strategy. According to the research, creative mechanical engineering solutions might completely transform Jakarta's urban transportation system and serve as a template for effective and sustainable mobility.


INTRODUCTION
Urban centers around the world are grappling with the challenges posed by rapid population growth, industrialization, and a surge in vehicular traffic [1]- [4].Electric buses are increasingly being recognized as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel buses in urban transportation due to their potential to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.The relationship between electric buses and urban transportation is multifaceted, encompassing environmental, economic, and infrastructural aspects.
From an environmental perspective, electric buses can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to diesel-fueled vehicles.A study using Turkey's data in the BUEMS model showed that the marginal cost of emission reduction through e-bus transportation is much lower than that through other policy measures such as carbon taxation in transport [5].Moreover, electric buses can improve air quality in urban spaces, making cities healthier places to live in [6].Economically, the transition to electric buses can be profitable.The BUEMS model provides evidence of win-win policy options that lead to profitable decarbonization [5].However, the total cost of ownership of electric buses can be higher than that of diesel buses, as indicated by a study that estimated the total cost of ownership of the buses in a project to be around 1.76 $/km [7].
In terms of infrastructure, the transition to electric buses requires careful planning and implementation of charging infrastructure.The energy requirements of electric buses need to be assessed, and innovative business strategies, such as the bus-as-a-service model, can help accelerate the energy transition [8].Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, can help meet the energy demands of electric buses [9].However, there are also challenges associated with the use of electric buses.For instance, electric vehicles may increase airborne particulate matter emission due to higher tire wear rates [10].Additionally, the energy consumption of an electric bus depends on the road and its characteristics, ranging between 0.98 and 1.39 kWh/km [7].
Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta is a shining example of a city going through an unparalleled period of urbanization.Issues like air pollution, traffic congestion, and environmental deterioration have all been made worse by this rise.Cities all around the world are actively looking for sustainable alternatives to public transportation in order to address these issues.The adoption of electric buses, which provide a greener and cleaner form of urban transportation, is a notable paradigm shift.
Although switching to electric buses is a commendable step in the direction of sustainability, there are drawbacks.The incorporation of inventive mechanical engineering solutions is just as important to the success of electric buses in enhancing the sustainability of urban transportation as is their electrification.The optimization of electric buses' total performance, efficiency, and sustainability is largely dependent on mechanical engineering.By closely analyzing the effects of state-of-the-art mechanical engineering breakthroughs on the functioning of electric buses in the Jakartan context, this study aims to explore this intersection.

Sustainable Urban Transportation
Electric buses offer advantages in terms of operating costs and environmental emission values.They are becoming increasingly popular in the transportation sector and are expected to bring significant changes to the power sector in terms of power storage.The moving characteristics of electric vehicles are expected to enable more flexible use of renewable energy by charging at multiple locations [11].
However, the transition to electric buses is not without challenges.One of the main disadvantages is that the purchasing costs of electric buses have not yet reached the expected level compared to other internal combustion engine buses [12].Additionally, the limited travel range and charging time of electric buses can be a disadvantage [13].To overcome these challenges, innovative solutions such as dynamic charging are being explored.Dynamic charging allows electric buses to charge while in operation, thus addressing the issue of limited travel range and charging time [13].
Another approach to optimize the efficiency of electric buses is through transmission control.
Research has been conducted on the optimization of the transmission control system of electric buses equipped with a dual electric drive system.The main goal of this research is to create a transmission control algorithm, which can operate the electric motors with the highest efficiency, while maintaining the dynamics required by the field of application [14].In terms of infrastructure, the transition to electric buses requires the development of sectoral infrastructure elements, which are developing rapidly [12].Furthermore, the introduction of electric buses and other forms of sustainable transportation requires appropriate management and regulation of urban transportation systems [15].

Mechanical Engineering Innovations in Electric Buses
Mechanical engineering innovations play a crucial role in shaping the efficiency and performance of electric buses.Mechanical engineering innovations have indeed played a significant role in shaping the efficiency and performance of electric buses.These advancements span across various areas such as materials, propulsion systems, and auxiliary components, all contributing to the overall effectiveness of electric buses.Lightweight materials are a key area of focus.The use of advanced materials can help reduce the weight of the bus, which in turn can lead to improved energy efficiency and extended range.For instance, the use of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) in electric power systems can effectively alleviate excessive fault currents without affecting the normal operation of power systems [16].Regenerative braking systems are another crucial innovation.These systems capture the energy typically lost during braking and convert it into electricity that can be used to recharge the bus's batteries.This not only improves energy efficiency but also extends the range of the bus [17].
Advancements in battery technology have also been instrumental in improving the performance of electric buses.The transition to electric vehicles has been accelerated by advancements in battery technology and manufacturing processes.These advancements have led to the development of more robust electric drivetrains, overcoming some of the initial challenges associated with electric bus adoption, such as limited range and longer refueling times [17].In addition to these, the integration of innovative technologies such as predictive maintenance systems and intelligent energy management has further refined the operational efficiency of electric buses.
For instance, an event-triggered intelligent energy management strategy for plug-in hybrid electric buses has been proposed, which improves the fuel economy of the studied plug-in hybrid electric bus by 19% and 22% over that using the rule-based strategy [18].Moreover, advancements in semiconductor technology, such as the use of Silicon carbide (SiC)-based power electronics, present new challenges in electric machine construction, operation, and control.These are implemented in technologies such as power inverters, converters, and rectifiers, which are crucial for the operation of electric buses [19].

Gaps in Current Literature
While existing literature provides a foundation for understanding the broad implications of electric buses and their mechanical engineering enhancements, there remains a gap in the specific analysis of these innovations within the context of Jakarta.This research seeks to bridge this gap by applying a quantitative lens to evaluate the performance and sustainability of electric buses equipped with innovative mechanical engineering solutions in the unique urban environment of Jakarta.

METHODS
A quantitative research design was used to systematically investigate the impact of innovative mechanical engineering solutions on the sustainability and performance of electric buses in Jakarta.This design allows for the collection of numerical data, facilitating statistical analysis to draw meaningful conclusions.

Sample Selection
The sample includes electric buses operating in the Greater Jakarta area.Buses were selected based on the presence of innovative mechanical engineering features, such as regenerative braking systems, lightweight materials, and advanced drivetrain technologies.A comparison group of conventional electric buses will also be included for baseline analysis.

Sampling Technique
A stratified sampling approach will be used to ensure representation of the diverse routes and operating conditions in Jakarta.The stratification is based on geographical zones, bus operators, and usage patterns, a total of 70 samples are involved in this study.

Performance and Efficiency Metrics
Real-time monitoring: Utilizing onboard sensors and telematics, data on acceleration, deceleration, energy consumption, and overall performance will be continuously recorded during regular bus operations.
Technical Inspections: Periodic technical inspections will be conducted to assess the physical condition of mechanical components, including innovative features.

Environmental Impact Assessment
Air Quality Measurement: Monitoring stations will be strategically placed in areas served by electric buses to measure air quality parameters, including particulate matter and emissions.
Energy Consumption Analysis: Evaluate the energy consumption patterns of buses equipped with innovative features and compare them with conventional electric buses.

Stakeholder Survey
Bus Operator Survey: Structured interviews and surveys will be conducted with bus operators to gather insights on maintenance requirements, operational challenges, and perceived benefits of buses with innovative mechanical features.
Commuter Survey: A survey distributed among commuters will assess their perceptions of electric buses, focusing on factors such as comfort, reliability, and overall satisfaction.
City Official Interviews: Interviews with city officials and policymakers will provide a qualitative understanding of the regulatory and infrastructure challenges associated with integrating innovative technologies into existing transportation frameworks.

Data Analysis
Quantitative data will undergo rigorous statistical analysis using tools such as regression analysis and comparative statistical tests.Performance metrics, environmental impact data, and survey responses will be analyzed to identify correlations between the use of innovative mechanical engineering solutions and the overall sustainability and efficiency of electric buses in Jakarta.

Respondent Demographics
The distribution across different age groups-15% (25-34 years), 30% (35-44 years), 25% (45-54 years), and 20% (55 years and above)-reflects a balanced representation, ensuring insights from both seasoned professionals and younger operators.The 10% preference for not disclosing age recognizes the importance of privacy in demographic reporting.The distribution of education -20%

Bus Operator Feedback
The survey conducted among bus operators highlighted positive feedback regarding the maintenance requirements and operational challenges associated with buses equipped with innovative mechanical features.A total of 70% of bus operators reported having received mechanical engineering training, indicating a substantial level of technical understanding within this group.
Respondents expressed satisfaction with the durability and reliability of these features, indicating the potential for long-term operational cost savings.

Commuter Satisfaction
The commuter survey revealed a high level of satisfaction among passengers using buses with innovative features.Key factors contributing to commuter satisfaction include increased travel comfort, reduced travel time, and the perception of contributing to environmental sustainability by choosing electric buses.The frequency of daily bus use, reported by 60% of commuters, underscores the important role public transportation plays in the daily lives of Jakarta residents.

Insights from City Officials and Policymakers
Interviews with city officials and policymakers provided valuable insights into the regulatory challenges and infrastructure requirements associated with integrating innovative technologies into existing transportation frameworks.While recognizing the potential benefits, officials emphasized the need for a comprehensive and phased approach to implementation, taking into account the diverse perspectives and experiences within this stakeholder group.

Discussion
This discussion addresses the implications, practical considerations, and future directions that emerged from the research findings.The positive correlation between reduced energy consumption, improved braking efficiency, and lower emissions underscores the multifaceted benefits of innovative mechanical engineering solutions.Practical feasibility, as highlighted by positive feedback from bus operators and passengers, suggests acceptance of this innovation within the existing transportation infrastructure.However, interviews with city officials emphasized the importance of considering the regulatory framework and infrastructure readiness.Future research should explore new innovations and their impact on the evolving urban transportation landscape.
The discussion emphasized the need for a collaborative and adaptive approach to integrating innovative technologies into urban transport systems.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into the potential of innovative mechanical engineering solutions for electric buses to revolutionize urban transportation in Jakarta.
The observed reductions in energy consumption, improvements in braking efficiency, and environmental benefits signal a positive trajectory toward a more sustainable and efficient public transportation system.The practical feasibility highlighted by stakeholder feedback, coupled with the acknowledgment of challenges from city officials, calls for a balanced and phased approach to implementation.As Jakarta continues to evolve, the integration of innovative mechanical engineering solutions holds promise as a model for other growing cities aspiring to balance efficiency with environmental stewardship in their public transportation systems.