The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) has been partnering with the University of Michigan to support the deployment and operation of its electric bus fleet, providing expertise that ensures both high performance and long-term sustainability. Through ongoing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reporting, CTE monitors the reliability, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency of the university’s New Flyer battery electric buses (BEBs) and Siemens depot chargers.

CTE’s scope includes bus modeling, route simulation, charge and rate modeling, and verification of technical specifications for three 60-foot and nine 40-foot New Flyer buses. Since September 2023, CTE has tracked KPIs through a real-time dashboard and quarterly reports, giving university transit staff actionable insights to optimize fleet operations.

While manufacturer recalls have temporarily affected vehicle availability, KPI reporting shows that, when in service, the university’s battery electric buses (BEBs) are meeting or exceeding performance expectations. Both 40’ and 60’ buses have demonstrated energy consumption below initial projections, supporting longer service ranges and flexible route assignments.

CTE also supports the university’s planning efforts for long-term fleet technology transitions. By modeling scenarios including depot-charged BEBs, fuel cell electric buses, mixed fleets, and renewable diesel, CTE enables campuses to evaluate fleet needs, infrastructure requirements, and total cost of ownership for each option.

With KPI reporting extended through September 2027, the University of Michigan now has a clear, data-driven framework to support day-to-day operations and long-term planning. The ongoing partnership reflects a practical approach to fleet electrification — pairing real-world performance data with thoughtful planning to help institutions make informed decisions as they transition to zero-emission transportation.