Utilizing bus depots for public charging can speed up the transition to eMobility. eBus fleet managers, public transport operators and private EV owners can benefit from the flexibility and additional charging capacity of EV bus depots if public charging is made available. This article breaks down how electric bus depots can be instrumental in the transition to public and private electric mobility.
As sales of electric vehicles begin to outpace new petrol and diesel cars, more EVs will be hitting the road in countries across the EU. The successful rollout of accessible public charging stations is essential to keep vehicles on the move and ensure the swift transition to public and private electric mobility.
The benefits of public charging at eBus depots
• Creating additional charging capacity from existing infrastructure: the most obvious benefit of opening up eBus depots for public charging is adding extra public charging facilities without extra installation time. Bus depots tend to be in the transport hub of a city or region, which makes them ideally placed for public accessibility. This also represents a huge benefit for public transport authorities such as City Hall and public transport officials. Not only can they contribute to local emissions reduction and clean air initiatives by supporting the expanded use of private EVs, they also don’t need to provide the capital expense required for new charging infrastructure.
• Encourage the adoption of EV by removing a barrier to charging: While it’s true that demand for EVs is picking up, it’s difficult to shift the kind of mass consumer behavior that has been ingrained in society, like going to the gas station and filling up your vehicle’s tank. The best way to encourage this shift is to make it as easy as possible by removing any barriers – such as a lack of charging options. If private vehicle owners know when and where they can charge, they are more likely to make the decision to switch from gas-guzzling vehicles to cleaner EVs.
• Unlock additional revenue for eFleet operators: By utilizing bus depots for public charging, eFleet operators can create a new income opportunity. This makes their charging infrastructure and eBus operations more cost-effective, without having to run extra services or cut back on expenses.
• No disruption to bus service through flexibility: eBus charging depots offer a premium service in flexibility. Allowing EVs to use the charging ports at the depot doesn’t need to disrupt daily operations or incur any changes to scheduling. Electric bus fleet managers simply need to charge their busses at night when they are not operating, and while they are out on their route during the day and the depot is empty, they can allow public EVs to be charged. This way there’s no interruption or inconvenience for bus operators, while cashing-in on a new income stream.
Make the transition to eMobility in urban areas faster and more efficient
A swift transition to green mobility depends on the accessibility and availability of charging infrastructure. Owning and refueling a gasoline or diesel powered car has historically been enabled by the easy access and use of a network of gas stations .It’s not only possible, but urgently necessary to optimize existing and planned EV charging infrastructure, with circular systems thinking.
With many bus fleets in cities such as London, Glasgow, Berlin and Eindhoven, already future-proofing their fleets by choosing to go electric it’s time to capitalize on this shift for public and environmental benefit.
Helping speed-up the transition to e-mobility in urban areas has a knock-on effect for visitors and residents of city. There are many other benefits to the rapid rollout of EVs in cities beyond the reduction of carbon emissions. Opening up eBus fleets for public charging can contribute to a greater share of EVs on the road, which in turn reduces noise pollution and air pollution.
Electrification of city transport and private vehicles will drive the development of sustainable cities of the future and can make them more liveable with smart integration in buildings. Smart buildings with a built-in digital microgram can operate smart charging for both EVs and eBusses. Smart charging controls the power of the charge to match network capacity and avoid peak demand. This maximizes the use of renewable energy, creating even greater savings for e-fleet operators.
However when it comes to private’s owned EVs, although there are more charging ports being installed across major transport hubs and cities, it’s currently not keeping pace with the goals and uptake of green transport. That’s where Heliox comes in.
Heliox provides high-power charging points for EVs of all sizes
Electric mobility has an important role to play in the journey to net zero and the clean energy transition. As a specialist in EV charging installation, maintenance and operation, and a market leader in rapid charging solutions serving: passenger vehicles, e-busses, and e-trucks; Heliox has taken a leading role in supporting the rollout of EVs and is trusted by some of the largest companies around the globe.
Heliox has developed a range of affordable, high-powered EV charging points that are suitable for domestic, commercial and mass-transit systems. Heliox is committed to implementing charging solutions at every scale and supporting the energy transition. Find out more about Heliox charging solutions including end-to-end implementation of efleet services.
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