ChargePoint, a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, and intelligent power management company Eaton today announced a new collaboration with the Santa Monica Department of Transportation to enable the agency’s transition to a zero-emission Big Blue Bus fleet by 2032. As part of Santa Monica’s $56 million investment in electric transit fleet infrastructure, the project combines ChargePoint’s DC fast charging solutions and powerful fleet software with Eaton’s electrical infrastructure and energy management solutions to power one of the nation’s most ambitious public transit electrification programs.
As Big Blue Bus works toward a fully electric fleet, the agency needs a solution that can reliably power operations today while supporting future growth. Together, ChargePoint and Eaton are helping meet those needs through integrated charging and power infrastructure solutions that help transit agencies reduce complexity, streamline implementation and prepare for growing energy demands as they modernize and electrify operations.
Big Blue Bus plans to deploy 130 DC fast charging ports, exclusively featuring the Express Plus line of ChargePoint equipment, powered by Eaton. To help power the expanded charging network, Eaton is providing the electrical infrastructure needed for reliable fleet operations at scale, including medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards, panelboards and engineering expertise. Further, ChargePoint’s powerful fleet software simplifies the monitoring of the electric bus fleet, both on route and at the depot, making any necessary changes in real-time and reporting on sustainability results.
“Santa Monica’s leadership in clean transportation demonstrates what’s possible when cities commit to bold climate action,” said Rick Wilmer, CEO at ChargePoint. “This project represents one of ChargePoint’s largest transit deployments to date, showcasing how our scalable, high-power charging solutions can meet the complex needs of large bus fleets and help agencies transition to fully electric operations while delivering a lower total cost of ownership.”
“By investing in clean, electric transit, we’re creating healthier air for our communities, a quieter and more comfortable experience for riders, and a safer, more efficient environment for our workforce,” said Anuj Gupta, Director of Transportation for the City of Santa Monica. “This collaboration will introduce innovative charging solutions that enable reliable and affordable service delivery for more than 10 million Big Blue Bus rides each year.”
“The Santa Monica project is a powerful example of how we’re helping customers turn ambitious electrification goals into reality,” said Paul Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Energy Transition at Eaton. “Whether you’re electrifying a fleet or a personal vehicle, Eaton is making electrification easier, faster and more flexible—helping customers maximize infrastructure investments, optimize energy use and unlock greater value from the grid. Our partnership with ChargePoint is further accelerating electrification and delivering even better outcomes for our customers.”
Together, the companies are helping organizations navigate the technical, operational and energy challenges associated with transportation electrification through a more comprehensive, end-to-end approach.
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