Charging-as-a-service provider AMPLY Power is managing the charging of electric buses for Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, which is operating under the name Tri Delta Transit. AMPLY identified 40% of annual energy savings its managed charging software platform could realize, while guaranteeing vehicles were charged and ready to work each day. AMPLY expects savings to increase as Tri Delta Transit expands its electric bus fleet in the future.

AMPLY’s hardware-agnostic, cloud-based smart charging system monitors the charging status and power levels in real-time, deploying algorithms to minimize utility demand and time-of-use rate charges. Using this real-time status allows AMPLY’s system to forecast when the vehicles will be ready-to-go, and once the vehicles are out delivering passengers, AMPLY’s system can track their return state-of-charge battery level and length of time to recharge. For Tri-Delta, this is realizing up to 40% savings on energy rates.

Additionally, as a regulated fuel supply entity with CARB, AMPLY supported Tri Delta Transit in monetizing its low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) credits. Such savings and LCFS credits can be reinvested into operations to accelerate a transit authority’s ability to adopt a zero-emissions future.

Fleet operators work on a very rigorous timeline and must adhere to a strict operational dance to ensure their vehicles run on-schedule. This on-the-go structure makes finding the time to optimize an electric fleet more difficult than one might expect. Municipal and commercial fleets are on the front lines of state-wide goals to decarbonize our transportation sector, and they deserve solutions that make the transition both simple and cost-effective. We’re proud to work with Tri Delta Transit on their charging operations so they can put their focus on providing quality service to their riders.

—Vic Shao, CEO of AMPLY

Beyond managing charging operations with a depot’s existing hardware, AMPLY offers a comprehensive Charging-as-a-Service to fleet owners. The offering includes managing utility administration and interconnection, as well as establishing an optimal charging strategy based on drive and duty cycles. This service can also provide debt financing or secure grant funding to reduce capital expenditures and implement resiliency plans as needed. Additionally, AMPLY is available to perform onsite operations maintenance services, and invest in technology upgrades as the needs of a fleet evolve.

For any transit authority, guaranteeing that all of our buses are ready for their morning roll-out is critical. Electric buses bring a new process to our operations and electricity use, and we knew we were better off, in the long run, leveraging the expertise of AMPLY’s model. They helped us pinpoint the financial, operational, and equipment improvements we could make to realize 40 percent savings and ensure uptime for our riders who depend on our bus service to go about their daily lives. As we expand our EV fleet, we look forward to working with AMPLY to realize even greater savings.

—Steve Ponte, Chief Operating Officer of Tri Delta Transit

Tri Delta Transit launched its electric bus program in 2018. AMPLY was brought in during the fall of 2019 to simplify Tri Delta’s charging operations and address challenges presented by previously installed hardware. Tri Delta Transit equipment includes buses from Proterra and BYD and associated charging infrastructure systems. This project illustrates how the AMPLY offering is agnostic to a variety of buses and chargers regardless of manufacturer.

Overall, AMPLY manages charging operations for a variety of customers, including an electric school bus fleet demonstration in New York City, and through preferred partnerships with electric bus manufacturer BYD, and the subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Company, Pacific Current.