Analysis of the challenges and solutions for the expansion of knowledge-based production and the utilization of electric buses in Iran

The use of electric buses has a great effect on reducing traffic and air pollution. The purpose of this article was to examine the challenges facing the country to produce and benefit from this product and solutions to solve these challenges. In this research, data was collected through documentary studies and in-depth semi-guided interviews and analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The target community was the experts of electric bus manufacturing companies and related institutions. The number of 72 propositions were categorized into 10 sub-categories and finally 6 main categories, the main categories of which were empowerment, cost, technological cooperation and cultural alignment. Then, action was taken to form a focus group and the extracted challenges and solutions were validated and finalized. Among the important challenges are the dependence on foreign electric propulsion, the unaffordability of bus operations, the high price of electric buses, the infrastructure for conducting some specialized tests to obtain the standard, and the lack of culture for using this new product. Some important solutions include the domestication of electric motors and accessories with government support from domestic companies, the creation of a joint supply chain for bus manufacturing companies, the preparation of a business model based on public-private partnership, and the implementation of Article 12 of the law on removing barriers to production, cultural measures and promotion based on new product and technology requirements, design of night charging system for bus batteries and design of electric base buses