Hawaiian Electric asks PUC for electric bus infrastructure pilot to speed adoption

Intent on hastening the widespread use of electric buses on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Islands, Hawaiian Electric has proposed an eBus Make-Ready Infrastructure Pilot project to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

“Electric buses will allow everyone to enjoy the clean and quiet perks of an electric vehicle, even those who choose not to own a car,” said Aki Marceau, director of electrification of transportation at Hawaiian Electric. “Electrifying our bus fleets will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions for ground transportation, which contributes to over 50 percent of emissions statewide.”

Under the concept of a make-ready project, Hawaiian Electric could install, own and maintain electric equipment and wiring for eBus charging beyond the fleet operator’s meter. The fleet operator would just have to pay for any electricity used by the chargers they utilize. Most bus fleet charging could be undertaken at midday or overnight, relying on the strongest points for solar generation or the lowest points for demand.

This push toward eBus expansion and replacement could help Hawaii emerge from economic hits taken throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, reduce Hawaii’s carbon footprint and reduce imports of ail, Hawaiian Electric argued. By its estimation, 7,050 buses of various kinds operate within its service area. By switching to eBuses, they could be made cleaner and quieter, which might also encourage greater ridership and the reduction of traffic congestion.

Such moves could also help stabilize the islands’ electric grids, with as many as 10 charging sites between the three islands. Yet obstacles remain: cost and adapting to managed charging from diesel fueling. Hawaiian Electric hopes to overcome those obstacles over the course of its pilot by taking on some of the expenses and positioning itself as an advisor for operators pursuing eBus conversion.

The company expects to spend around $4.25 million on the pilot if approved. Project costs could be recovered, however, through the Renewable Energy Infrastructure Cost Recovery Provision.