The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) partnered with Ames Transit Agency (CyRide) for a successful award under the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program (Low-No). CTE is working with CyRide to deploy two battery electric buses (BEBs). CTE previously worked with CyRide to develop a zero-emission bus transition plan for the agency.
CyRide used the Virginia state contract to select a BEB vendor to manufacture and deliver two 40’ heavy-duty BEBs. CTE conducted route modeling to simulate bus performance of the various buses offered on the VA contract to help CyRide select a BEB original equipment manufacturer (OEM). In addition, CTE gathered pricing information from each OEM specific to CyRide’s intended bus configuration and provided references so CyRide could speak with other transit agencies that have firsthand experience with the different bus types.
After consideration, CyRide decided to contract with Nova Bus based on several factors including CyRide’s previous experience with Nova buses, the BEB’s competitive energy storage capacity, and Nova’s experience with cold weather operations. CTE also conducted rate and charge modeling to inform CyRide of charging strategies best suited for CyRide’s service. This helped CyRide better understand the type and make of chargers best suited for procurement alongside the buses. Additionally, CTE assisted CyRide in finalizing the bus and charger specifications, as well as other procurement documents. CyRide contracted with Nova and received the buses in April 2023.
In May 2023, CTE traveled to CyRide and conducted performance validation to confirm the performance and operation of the buses and to support planning bus assignments. The BEBs were placed into revenue service mid-July 2023. CTE is now conducting performance monitoring to help CyRide evaluate and manage the electric buses. One year of operational data will be collected to generate a series of key performance indicators that will be used to validate the performance of the BEBs against other buses in CyRide’s fleet.
