ChargePoint and Eaton have partnered with the Santa Monica Department of Transportation to move the city's Big Blue Bus fleet to zero emissions by 2032, the companies announced Aug. 27.
The effort is part of Santa Monica's $56 million investment in electric transit infrastructure and ranks among the nation's most ambitious public transit electrification programs. It pairs ChargePoint's DC fast charging equipment and fleet software with Eaton's electrical infrastructure and energy management systems.
Big Blue Bus plans to install 130 DC fast charging ports using ChargePoint's Express Plus line, powered by Eaton. Eaton is supplying the electrical backbone for large-scale operations, including medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards, panelboards and engineering support. ChargePoint's fleet software will let the agency monitor buses on route and at the depot, adjust operations in real time and track sustainability results.
Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, called it one of the company's largest transit deployments to date. He said its high-power charging can meet the needs of large bus fleets while lowering total cost of ownership.
Anuj Gupta, director of transportation for the city of Santa Monica, said electric transit will mean cleaner air, quieter rides and a safer workplace. He said the collaboration supports reliable, affordable service across more than 10 million Big Blue Bus rides each year.
Paul Ryan, vice president and general manager of energy transition at Eaton, said the project shows how the companies are turning electrification goals into reality by helping customers maximize infrastructure investments and draw more value from the grid.
The companies said their combined approach is designed to help agencies manage the technical, operational and energy challenges of transportation electrification.
Edited by SMDP Staff