How does a transit agency roll out a battery electric bus fleet? Here are the steps
August 14, 2025
Battery electric buses reduce emissions and costs. But a successful rollout requires a solid plan, power, and some future-proofing.
You¡¯re a mass transit fleet operator. Now, imagine being able to boost community livability while also cutting your operating costs.
That¡¯s the promise of battery electric buses (BEBs). With the global push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,?BEBs are increasingly in demand for public transit.?They offer a practical path for agencies to transition from carbon-based fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel. They help pave the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
But the road to electrification isn¡¯t just about replacing buses¡ªit¡¯s about reimagining how transit agencies serve their communities. Making the transition to battery electric buses involves more than simply swapping out vehicles. It requires thoughtful planning around things like:
- Charging infrastructure
- Energy management
- Infrastructure resiliency
- Meaningful community engagement
???So where do you start? When planning infrastructure rollout and facility upgrades, transit agencies need to look at several key factors. Let¡¯s explore how to choose the best locations, assess electric utility capacity, and design scalable solutions to support your growing BEB fleet.
The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus charging infrastructure project is the latest in a long string of large-scale collaborative projects aimed at sustainably improving public transit options for Los Angeles County residents.
Location challenges for a new battery electric bus fleet
Setting up a new fleet of electric buses requires careful space planning. Unlike diesel-powered buses, electric ones need charging stations where they¡¯re parked. If you¡¯re transitioning from diesel or CNG to electric, you¡¯ll likely have both types running at the same time. That means you¡¯ll need space for both fueling systems, which can get complicated. For example, electric buses have fewer parts, so they don¡¯t require as much storage. But during the transition, you¡¯ll still need to store parts for both types, which can be a real challenge¡ªespecially in older facilities.
Ask yourself if the current site has enough space for the same number of buses, charging equipment, and safety areas to prevent fires. ?
Maintenance is also important. Electric buses run on high voltage, so you'll need more space around them for maintenance. Many parts that require regular maintenance are on the roof of BEBs, so you¡¯ll need safe ways to access the roof, like ladders or platforms.
Battery placement and storage varies. Damaged batteries can create safety issues. Designing a safe and efficient workspace is key. Make sure there¡¯s enough room to access important parts of the bus.?
At the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus (BBB) facility, our team began by developing preliminary phasing plans and cost estimates. The goal? To help BBB understand how the project would affect their property, operations, and budget. Then we created a detailed strategy to guide the transition of the BBB fleet and facility to battery electric buses. As part of the design, we conducted a study to enhance the photovoltaic (PV) systems on the structures housing the charging dispensers. We modeled several PV options to align on-site power generation with the fleet¡¯s midday charging needs¡ªmaximizing solar use and minimizing the need for overnight battery storage. We set things up in phases so the transition would go smoothly, keeping operations running while adding room for about 128 more battery electric buses.
Thinking ahead about electric utility capacity
Another important factor is whether the local utility can handle the extra power needed for electric buses. Utilities usually take time to adjust to new demands. So, it¡¯s crucial to involve them early in the planning process. How well the utility can manage this increased demand will affect how quickly the transit agency can switch to electric buses.?
Agencies usually rely on utilities for their power needs. However, many transit facilities are large enough to produce some of their own power, such as through solar panels. Since charging often takes place at night when demand is lower, storing this energy in batteries can be beneficial.???
Sustainable transit in action: A blue electric Anaheim Transportation Network bus powers up under a solar canopy. It¡¯s clean transit fueled by renewable energy, helping cut emissions and clear the air.
For example, our team worked with the?Anaheim Transportation Network?to plan for this extra capacity. We designed a new electrical system to power 100 bus chargers and a new building. To save money, our design team added a solar canopy over the charging area. This helped reduce costs and allowed the agency to buy electricity at better times. Our team also added a battery storage system to store energy and provide backup during outages.
?As electric buses become more common, a key to sustainability is managing the lifecycle of the batteries. Over time, batteries degrade due to charging habits, route demands, and climate. Eventually, they lose efficiency. But even after their transit life ends, they can be reused for stationary energy storage like solar backups. Reusing helps recover valuable materials. It also reduces environmental impact and strengthens energy systems. Transit agencies should plan for end-of-life by building adaptable systems, collaborating with partners, and making recycling central to sustainable transit.
The road to electrification isn¡¯t just about replacing buses¡ªit¡¯s about reimagining how transit agencies serve their communities.
Not future proof, future ready?
Right now, industries that support the switch to battery electric buses are trying to keep up with demand. Agencies should consider rolling out their plans in phases. This approach allows for adjustments as technology changes. For instance, when installing the electrical system, it¡¯s important to build in extra capacity and flexibility so that the system can adapt over time. We cannot make a site future-proof, but we can try to make it future-ready.
?A good example of this is our work with?TriMet?in Portland, Oregon. We created a strong electrical setup that can handle both high demand and provide reliable service. So far, TriMet has successfully added 25 percent of its yard capacity without disrupting operations.
The TriMet Powell bus yard accommodates over 300 buses and all new utilities, including an electrical battery electric bus loop sized to enable TriMet to make this facility its first 100 percent BEB facility.
Planning for cost-effective facility modifications?
?Planning saves money. Agencies often start with small upgrades, which may not provide immediate savings. But those moves will have benefits in the long run as the agency understands the buses¡¯ battery range, charging times, and reliability.?
Agencies should also look at data on route performance, maintenance costs, and warranty claims to improve their planning. Switching from a centralized fueling system to one where buses charge while parked may require discussions about labor agreements with drivers and maintenance staff.?
Lastly, agencies should talk to their utility provider and lawmakers about electricity rates early on. Why? Because these rates are heavily regulated.?
Transit agencies have many reasons to switch to battery electric buses. They produce zero emissions, help reduce carbon footprints, and support a healthier environment. The transition will require careful planning over the coming years to prepare for a successful and scalable rollout.
