Vancouver’s Clark County Public Transit Benefit Area (C-TRAN) partnered with CarMedialab, an INIT company, to deliver efficiency-boosting software solutions for its electric vehicle fleet.

Having added 10 new all-electric buses to its fleet, C-TRAN has taken a major step toward achieving its goal of a completely zero-emission fleet by 2040.

How CarMediaLab’s System Will Help C-TRAN

The deployment of CarMedialab’s MOBILEcharge charge management system will optimize the agency’s charging process between the electric vehicles and the energy grid. Since the price of electricity is based on peak load, MOBILEcharge will manage the process through load shifting. This means that when vehicles arrive at the depot and are connected to the charging cable, the charging process starts later and with a lower cost.

The results are reduced operating costs, extended battery life, and preconditioned, ready to go vehicles.

“Sustainability is at the core of who we are as a public transportation provider, and battery-electric buses are crucial to our zero-emission future,” said Eric Florip, C-TRAN’s manager, communications and marketing. “We’re excited to partner with INIT and CarMedialab to improve the performance of these vehicles, and the experience for our riders.”

Additionally, CarMedialab’s vehicle monitoring system, MOBILEvhm, will enable C-TRAN to actively monitor the health of its entire bus fleet, including both diesel and electric buses. MOBILEvhm identifies potential vehicle issues and sends alerts to the relevant staff, ensuring more efficient fleet maintenance through proactive bus care.

With the utilization of CarMedialab's driver assistance system, MOBILEefficiency, C-TRAN bus drivers will have an onboard tool for more energy-efficient driving. This system will not only contribute to reduced energy consumption but also enhance passenger comfort by ensuring smoother rides.

The C-TRAN Collaboration

The collaboration between C-TRAN, INIT, and CarMedialab is a significant testament to their commitment to creating a sustainable and efficient future for public transportation in the Vancouver-Portland region.

By embracing electric buses and introducing these new technologies, C-TRAN will improve service quality for its passengers while minimizing its environmental impact. The new e-buses are not only environmentally friendly, but also efficient and quiet, with a range of 200 miles.