Hawaiian Electric launches Charge Up eBus Pilot to reduce upfront costs for bus operators installing chargers
Program produces additional savings when combined with eBus rates
Release Date: 2/16/2022
HONOLULU, Feb. 16, 2022 – Hawaiian Electric is accepting applications for its new Charge Up eBus Pilot that provides no-cost electric bus charging infrastructure to eligible bus operators. The program is coupled with electric bus rates that provide additional savings on charging during the day when renewable energy is abundant or overnight when the demands on the grid are lower.
The pilot program approved by regulators authorizes Hawaiian Electric to provide “make-ready” infrastructure to support up to 20 electric bus charging ports at up to 10 qualifying customer sites over a three-year period on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. The company will use the pilot to inform the design of a potential full-scale program.
"Hawaiian Electric is excited to help bus operators make the transition to zero-emission electric vehicles,” said Aki Marceau, director of electrification of transportation at Hawaiian Electric. “Electric buses are not only cleaner and quieter than their diesel and hybrid counterparts they also allow a broad cross section of our community to experience the benefits of electric transit.”
The infrastructure required to support the installation of an EV charging station typically requires a sizeable investment. Under the Charge Up eBus Pilot, Hawaiian Electric will pay for and manage construction of infrastructure such as transformers, wiring and trenching up to and beyond the customer’s meter to the point where the charger is installed. Customer responsibilities include installing and maintaining the charger, the cost of the electricity, procuring the electric buses and sharing data that will help Hawaiian Electric develop future electric bus programs.
Applications are being accepted now through March 31, 2022. Applications received after March will be considered on a case-by-case basis if funding is available.
