AMPLY Power saves up to 40 percent on energy costs for Tri Delta Transit electric buses

AMPLY Power (AMPLY) says it identified 40 percent of annual energy savings its managed charging software platform could realize, while ensuring vehicles are charged and ready.

AMPLY is managing the charging of electric buses for the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, operating under the name Tri Delta Transit.

"For any transit authority, guaranteeing that all of the 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," said Steve Ponte, chief operating officer of Tri Delta Transit. "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."

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.

AMPLY's 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 Transit, this is realizing up to 40 percent savings on energy rates, says the company.

"We monitor the chargers and catch error codes to improve charger uptime, and its database collects all the information Tri Delta needs to confidently move down their electrification roadmap," said Rob Kelly, vice president of business development, AMPLY.

Additionally, as a regulated fuel supply entity with California Air Resources Board, 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," said Vic Shao, CEO of AMPLY. "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."