Brampton Transit Electric Bus Demonstration and Integration Trial

Lead Proponent

The City of Brampton

Project Background

The objective of this project was to demonstrate an interoperable overhead bus charging system with electric buses on a number bus routes in the City of Brampton. 

The project  helped support the procurement, installation and operation of 4 overhead bus charging systems and 8 electric buses in order to displace existing diesel buses in the Brampton Transit fleet. 

During the trial, data was gathered and analyzed to determine the overall performance of the charging stations, efficiency of the electric-battery buses, and requirements for future deployments of electric-battery buses.

Results

This project supported the development of international charging standards for overhead charging systems associated with heavy-duty buses. The charging system also demonstrated interoperability between 2 charger manufacturers and 2 bus manufacturers. 

The project has provided stakeholders with valuable real-world data on electric bus fleet operations, including vehicle and charger performance.

This information, along with demonstrating the potential of five-minute high-powered charging to extend bus route ranges, will support broader bus electrification efforts by transit agencies, bus and charger manufacturers, and utilities across Canada.

Benefits to Canada

This project created jobs for Canadians and developed advanced skills in the technology and zero-emissions transportation sectors, which will support long-term efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants from transit.

Next Steps

Bramption Transit has committed to transition their fleet to fully electric buses in the coming decade.