Austin Transit: New Chargers Keep Electric Buses Running

CapMetro opened two new park-and-ride facilities in Austin that allow electric buses to recharge while on duty. The agency named the sites Goodnight Ranch and Expo Center. These locations serve the Rapid 800 and Rapid 837 routes.

The project includes overhead pantograph chargers at the end of each line. Buses can top up their batteries during the turn around. This process helps vehicles complete return trips without range limitations.

The charging infrastructure extends from CapMetro's main bus depot. Camber Charging installed two 1,440 kW systems at the depot. These connect to 48 industrial dispensers. The setup provides a total capacity of 2.9 MW and can charge 48 buses simultaneously overnight.

Andy Skabowski, CapMetro's Chief Operations Officer and Executive VP, said the new setup keeps buses on the road longer. He noted that traditional buses hold about 8 hours of charge. "Instead of a typical bus holding 8 hours of charging, on-route charging takes that out to 20 to 22 hours," Skabowski explained. He added that frequent charging makes 10 to 15 minute service intervals possible.

The fleet uses the Xcelsior battery-electric platform from New Flyer. The Canadian manufacturer states the platform offers up to 660 kWh of available capacity. The vehicles produce up to 320 all-electric horsepower. Full torque is available at 0 rpm, a feature suited for stop-and-go traffic conditions.

Camber Charging also manages maintenance and software for the chargers. The company provides remote diagnostics for the depot and the two new terminals. The facilities were announced in June and began operations alongside the electrified bus lines this month.