On-Route Chargers Enable Austin Buses to Run for 22 Hours

CapMetro has integrated overhead charging infrastructure into two new park-and-ride facilities to extend the operational window of its electric bus fleet. The agency activated the systems at the Goodnight Ranch and Expo Center terminals, which serve the Rapid 800 and Rapid 837 routes.

The project creates a continuous charging network that begins at the agency’s main bus depot. Infrastructure partner Camber Charging installed two 1,440 kW systems at the depot, connecting to 48 industrial dispensers. This configuration provides a total charging capacity of 2.9 MW, allowing the facility to charge up to 48 buses simultaneously overnight.

The new terminals extend this capability to the ends of the service lines. Buses utilize pantograph-style chargers at these locations to replenish battery power after completing a run. This on-route charging eliminates range limitations for the return trip and enables more frequent service.

Andy Skabowski, CapMetro’s Chief Operations Officer and Executive VP, stated that the technology increases the time a bus can remain in service from eight hours to 20 or 22 hours. He noted that charging occurs each time the pantograph deploys. "That's what makes a commitment like (every) 10- to 15-minute service possible," Skabowski said.

The vehicles operate on the Xcelsior battery-electric transit platform manufactured by New Flyer. The system delivers up to 320 all-electric horsepower with full torque available at zero rpm, a specification designed to handle stop-and-go traffic conditions. New Flyer indicates the platform can offer up to 660 kWh of available battery capacity, although specific figures for the Austin fleet were not disclosed in the release.

Camber Charging manages the technical operations across the three charging locations. The partner provides preventive maintenance, charger and energy management software, and remote diagnostics for the installed systems.