Electric-bus fast charging at the Santa Barbara MTD

The objectives of the fast charging project are to evaluate the practicality of charging battery strings at high rates, to configure an electric transit-bus with a battery system and battery monitoring system suitable for use in a rapid-recharge environment, to install a high-rate charger (Norvik 300-kW) at a location appropriate for opportunity charging, and to operate the bus and charging system for a period of approximately one year in regular transit service. Issues under evaluation include the extent to which the utility of electric buses can be increased as a result of opportunity charging at rapid-recharge rates, and the influence that rapid charging has on battery health and longevity. The impacts that the on-peak, rapid charging of battery-electric buses has on the utility grid are also under investigation.