Fuss & O’Neill was retained to assist with the issue of charging three 40-foot Proterra Catalyst E2 electric buses. We determined possible facilities and then assessed the existing electrical infrastructure at each and worked with National Grid (NGrid) to determine the optimal facility for the busses and chargers.

Each of the three pilot busses require a 60kW charging unit for total of 120kW, a significant load on existing buildings. Once the facility was determined, Fuss & O’Neill designed the necessary electrical distribution system modifications to incorporate the Power Control Systems (PCS) and dispensers.

The client will use what it learns from the leased electric buses to prepare for the purchase of 16 to 20 electric buses starting in 2021. Fuss & O’Neill is currently working with the client and NGrid to address additional busses and subsequent electrical load, including potentially incorporating solar PV at these facilities to offset the electrical load.