The unit will include high-capacity DC charging capability, using a 200kW ChargePoint charger, independently powered by a 240kW propane-fuelled engine, all integrated on a mobile trailer.
In August, 2022, the Federal Transit Administration awarded a US$12.0 million bus and low- and no- emission grant to Fairfield for transit electrification. The city was one of 150 transit agencies across the United States (19 agencies in California) to be awarded this funding. The grant award covers the purchase of five Gillig battery electric buses, three ChargePoint chargers, infrastructure upgrades, vehicle maintenance facility upgrades, and workforce development. Along with the other state and local funds, this award provides enough funding for the first phase of transit electrification. The California Air Resources Board adopted an Innovative Clean Transit regulation requiring all buses to be zero emission by 2040.
"It's very important to us that we get our zero-emission vehicles into service as quickly as possible, and once the permanent chargers have been installed, the e-Boost system will be available for both mobile charging and backup power for resilience during outages such as a power shut off event," said David Renschler, fleet division manager at the city of Fairfield.
"This is the first municipality to purchase e-Boost to support an electrified fleet," commented Geo Murickan, head of Pioneer Power's e-Mobility business. "Construction of permanent charging infrastructure can sometimes take years to complete. We believe that our mobile EV charging solutions can help fleets and municipalities move more quickly to implement their zero-emission plans, and our built-in resiliency serves as an important capability long after permanent charging is in place."
Pioneer Power expects to deliver the system in the fourth quarter of 2023.
"Over the coming months, we anticipate the municipal and school bus market will significantly expand as more fleets incorporate electric busses," added Nathan Mazurek, Pioneer Power's chairman and CEO. "We believe that our flexible e-Boost system makes electric conversions easier, providing on-demand charging anytime and anywhere without costly fixed infrastructure investments."
