CapMetro Activates 2.9 MW Grid for 48 Electric Buses

CapMetro opened two new park-and-ride facilities in Austin to support its growing fleet of electric buses.

The Goodnight Ranch and Expo Center terminals, announced in June, are now operational alongside the Rapid 800 and Rapid 837 routes. These sites feature overhead pantograph-style chargers that allow buses to top up batteries at the end of each run. This design enables vehicles to make return trips without range limitations.

The charging infrastructure links to the agency's main bus depot, where partner Camber Charging installed two 1,440 kW systems. These units connect to 48 industrial dispensers, creating a total capacity of 2.9 MW. The setup is built to charge up to 48 electric buses simultaneously overnight.

CapMetro Chief Operations Officer and Executive VP Andy Skabowski stated that on-route charging significantly extends service hours. He explained that while a standard bus holds eight hours of charge, the new system extends that window to 20 to 22 hours. Skabowski noted that every time the pantograph drops, the bus recharges, making 10- to 15-minute service intervals possible.

The transit agency operates vehicles built on the Xcelsior battery-electric platform from New Flyer. The Canadian manufacturer states the platform can offer up to 660 kWh of available capacity. These buses deliver up to 320 all-electric horsepower, with full torque available at 0 rpm, a specification suited to urban stop-and-go traffic.

Camber Charging provides preventive maintenance and remote diagnostics across all three charging locations. The firm also manages the charger and energy software for the network.

The new facilities provide improved passenger amenities at the end of the Rapid 800 and Rapid 837 lines. The project integrates charging infrastructure directly into the park-and-ride experience for riders.