The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) partnered with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to support the investigation of transit bus battery codes and standards needs as a component of the APTA Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines (SBPG). CTE performed an audit of the proposed electric bus battery codes and standards related to bus safety to determine which standards have been previously incorporated into the APTA Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines. Additionally, the team researched which additional electric bus battery codes and standards may be applicable and should be added to the APTA Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines. To do so CTE referenced documentation from relevant standards groups including the National Fire Protection Association, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Underwriters Laboratories, and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). These tasks helped determine which of the existing electric bus battery standards or guidance are components of the existing guidelines and which should be considered as additions.
CTE leveraged its relationships and experience working with organizations within the industry and transit bus market. CTE reviewed the list with safety experts such as the National Renewable Energy Lab, Electric Power Research Institute, and SAE for independent input on the relevance and value of the identified electric bus battery standards. CTE worked with battery electric bus original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to understand compliance with and tests relevant to the battery safety standards.
The final project deliverable, prepared by CTE, provided a matrix summarizing the relevant battery safety codes and standards, recommendations for SBPG inclusion, and OEM compliance ability. This project provided a comprehensive third-party evaluation of safety standards for batteries as the market develops and grows for battery electric transit buses. This is an important step towards ensuring public safety and confidence in the technology as standards are assessed and included in SBPG. CTE and project partners will be able to utilize this information when requested to help educate school boards, transit agencies, and other stakeholders.
