The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) worked closely with the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) as it expanded its battery electric bus (BEB) fleet, performing modeling on various scenarios for BEB deployment on STA’s City Line. In addition, CTE performed rate modeling for City Line. These models enabled STA to select the best possible scenario for deploying their BEBs efficiently.
CTE performed engineering analysis and modeling services throughout the project, as well as project management. Analysis included identifying objectives, identifying load cases and assumptions, and analyzing battery and vehicle efficiency, battery degradation, and on-route efficiency based on a model of STA’s specific conditions.
CTE produced range estimates in different scenarios for different vehicles, routes, conditions, and loads. CTE furnished a final report detailing vehicle capabilities on STA’s blocks and the associated monthly costs related to both on- route and depot charging for STA’s different possible charger setups. The report culminated with recommendations for charger mix in nominal and strenuous conditions, along with a cost breakdown per mile in each scenario.
CTE will continue its relationship with STA into 2024, performing similar analysis on the Monroe-Regal line, in preparation for deployment of additional zero-emission buses.
