Santa Monica Launches One of the Largest Electric Bus Charging Networks in the U.S.
The City of Santa Monica in California has announced a partnership with electric vehicle charging solutions provider ChargePoint and power management company Eaton to build one of the largest electric bus charging networks in the country. The $56 million project will deploy 130 DC fast charging ports, all featuring ChargePoint’s Express Plus line, integrated with Eaton’s electrical infrastructure and energy management solutions. The goal is to achieve a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2032.
Big Blue Bus, the public transit agency serving Santa Monica and the Westside region of Los Angeles County, will utilize the charging infrastructure as a cornerstone of its transition to electric buses. ChargePoint will supply the 130 DC fast charging ports exclusively for the Big Blue Bus fleet, complemented by its fleet management software to enhance charging efficiency and operational monitoring. Eaton will provide medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and engineering expertise to ensure the stability and scalability of the charging network.
High-Power Charging Solutions Meet Large Fleet Demands
Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, stated that the project is one of the company’s largest transit deployments to date, demonstrating how its high-power charging solutions can effectively meet the complex needs of large bus fleets. He emphasized that ChargePoint’s technology not only helps agencies transition to fully electric operations but also reduces the total cost of ownership and improves long-term benefits.
Paul Ryan, Vice President and General Manager of Energy Transition at Eaton, noted that Eaton’s electrical infrastructure and energy management solutions simplify the electrification process, enabling customers to maximize infrastructure investments and optimize energy use. He added that the collaboration will provide robust technical support for Santa Monica’s electric bus transition, ensuring the reliability and flexibility of the charging network.
Electrification Drives Environmental and Social Benefits
Anuj Gupta, Director of Transportation for the City of Santa Monica, highlighted that the investment will deliver multiple benefits, including improved air quality, a quieter and more comfortable riding experience, and a safer, more efficient work environment for staff. He stressed that Santa Monica is committed to achieving a fully electric bus fleet by 2032, and this charging infrastructure project will lay a solid foundation for that goal.
As of now, the City of Santa Monica has not disclosed the specific timeline for deploying the 130 DC fast charging ports or revealed the current number of electric buses in its fleet or the total fleet size. Additionally, details on how the $56 million investment will be allocated and whether other funding sources or partners are involved have not been provided. The specific models of Eaton’s medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards, and panelboards also remain undisclosed.
The project marks a significant milestone in California’s push for green transportation and offers a replicable model for other U.S. cities. As the charging network expands, Santa Monica expects to further enhance the environmental and operational efficiency of its public transit system, injecting new momentum into the city’s sustainable development.
