The BYD buses will periodically charge for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
BYD
2 min to read
The BYD buses will periodically charge for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
BYD
Indianapolis’ IndyGo reached an agreement with BYD, the maker of IndyGo’s new electric buses, to install and pay for wireless charging infrastructure. The deal includes wireless charging hardware for buses, and the equipment for three charging pads along battery-powered routes.
When testing began last fall, the buses achieved lower-than-expected distances on one charge. Over the course of several months of testing, IndyGo confirmed a strong correlation between vehicle range for the BYD K11 buses and outdoor temperature. The organization worked with BYD to develop a solution, which will utilize wireless charging technology.
Ad Loading...
“We anticipated that vehicle range would depend on temperature, but the contract requires a 275-mile range at zero degrees,” said Justin Stuehrenberg, IndyGo VP, capital projects and planning. “Our team identified several options to address the issue and worked closely with BYD to determine the most feasible resolution. At the same time, we made it clear to the company they must be accountable to our contract. Numerous test days this spring resulted in range performance at and above the contractually required 275 miles on a single charge. To date, the best range of any one test was 307 miles on a single charge.”
Throughout daily operations, the BYD buses will periodically charge for approximately 10 to 20 minutes at three locations near the rapid transit routes. IndyGo is currently evaluating the specific locations for the charge points. The charging system itself will use inductive technology.
“BYD has been a good partner in providing a reliable solution for what was agreed upon in our contract,” said Mike Terry, president/CEO of IndyGo. “We are excited to be the first battery-powered BRT line in the nation.”
The periodic boosts to the batteries on the BYD buses will incrementally recharge the vehicles while drivers take scheduled breaks with no passengers on board. At the end of daily operations, all electric buses operating on the city’s bus rapid transit lines will return to IndyGo headquarters, where the batteries will be fully charged overnight.
The Red Line will be the nation’s first battery-electric bus rapid transit route. IndyGo plans to operate a 100% electric bus fleet by 2035.
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.
The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.
Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.