As transit agencies across the country continue to seek ways to reduce their emissions, many are turning to electric buses, shuttles, and paratransit vehicles. 

While EVs can be a sound choice for specific applications and duty cycles, there are still challenges to overcome — from the investment costs of cars and charging infrastructure, to the wait times for installation. These hurdles, coupled with an unreliable grid, leave fleet owners questioning how to make it all work. 

This is where propane provides an innovative solution with off-grid, propane-powered EV charging units. 

This new technology utilizes a small-scale, self-sufficient power grid system — known as a microgrid — powered by renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and a propane-powered generator, to provide DC level 3 charging for EV fleets. These rapidly deployable units provide electric fleets with an extra boost of reliability, cost savings, and sustainability.

Faster Deployment and Lower Infrastructure Costs

Propane-powered EV charging helps fleets electrify faster and at a lower cost. Traditional electric grid charging infrastructure often requires utility coordination, transformer upgrades, trenching, permitting, and other additional costs. 

In some cases, installing grid-connected chargers for electric buses can take several years, depending on site conditions and the utility's responsiveness. 

In contrast, deployment of propane-powered EV charging units is quick and straightforward.

In most cases, the units don’t require permits, electrical upgrades, or on-site construction, allowing for faster deployment in a matter of weeks. This translates to time and cost savings of up to 75% compared to traditional permanent EV infrastructure. 

The modular and mobile design of propane-powered charging systems also provides operational flexibility. Agencies can move charging units between depots or designate them for remote locations without the need to invest in additional infrastructure. 

For fleet owners concerned about the range of EVs, this provides a solution to extend routes. The abundant availability of propane in the U.S., likewise, makes it a convenient and affordable option for EV charging nationwide.

One example of this technology in use is the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). 

The organization installed a propane-powered charging unit for its 40-foot-long city buses in just two days. It requires 144 kWh, or 20 gallons of propane per night per vehicle. To keep the microgrid supplied with fuel, the department houses a 1,000-gallon propane tank on site. 

Energy Reliability That Keeps Buses Running

Another significant advantage of investing in propane-powered EV charging is energy reliability, which is emerging as a top priority for fleets of all kinds. 

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy found that nationwide blackouts could increase 100 times by 2030 if grid infrastructure and power generation are not dramatically expanded. With natural disasters and increased demand continuing to threaten major grid disruptions, EV fleets that rely solely on the grid for power are at risk of being unable to charge their vehicles. For transit agencies, which must adhere to strict timetables, this is a non-starter.

Propane-powered EV charging solutions offer fleet owners added reliability by providing a power supply that’s independent of the primary electrical grid. 

Even for EV fleets that already have permanent infrastructure or are currently in the process of building infrastructure, having backup propane recharging stations can supplement a fleet’s primary power source during periods of increased demand or grid interruptions. 

Propane can be stored on-site, making it readily available whenever needed. Unlike diesel, it doesn’t degrade over time and can be stored almost indefinitely.

This technology is beautiful for small to mid-sized transit agencies or those operating in remote areas that currently face challenges with the grid. 

Many rural and tribal fleets face high costs and lengthy wait times to upgrade their electric infrastructure. Rather than delay electrification, these agencies can deploy propane-powered charging stations to support their new electric bus fleets immediately.

Off-Grid Charging That Supports Decarbonization Goals

While some fleet owners are turning to similar off-grid charging solutions that use a diesel generator, this option counteracts the primary goal of EVs: to reduce emissions. 

Propane is a low-carbon energy source that reduces harmful emissions, accelerates decarbonization, and is non-toxic to groundwater and soil. For light commercial microgrid (<100kW generation system) applications, propane fuel cells result in near-zero nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, as well as a 24% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to diesel.

Diversifying Any Fleet for Optimal Resiliency

As reliability becomes increasingly critical, many fleet owners are also choosing to diversify their energy mix by selecting multiple energy sources to work within the duty cycle for which each is best suited. 

One popular solution is to operate both EVs and propane autogas paratransit vehicles — EVs for shorter routes with a smaller payload and propane autogas for routes that require a more extended range and increased reliability. 

Propane autogas paratransit buses have a range of up to 400 miles, allowing them to operate in all weather conditions and across various terrains.

In instances where fleets operate with both energy sources, propane can serve a dual purpose: charging EVs with the microgrid and refueling propane autogas vehicles from the same tank. A local propane supplier can help fleets determine the right-sized tank and propane autogas refueling infrastructure to create a customizable and scalable solution. 

A Clean, Reliable Backup for EV Fleets

EV fleets can be brought to a halt when the grid goes down, but with the right off-grid solutions, transit agencies can keep their vehicles on schedule. 

Propane-powered EV charging offers owners a way to electrify their fleets more quickly, efficiently scale their infrastructure, maintain reliability, easily diversify their energy mix, and rein in costs.