The Rising Zero-Emission Bus Market

With today’s evolving technology and focus on protecting the environment, there has been a huge demand for the three main types of ZEBs on the market: battery electric, hybrid electric, and hydrogen fuel cell electric.

In fact, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) just approved a rule stating that all vehicles must be zero-emission by 2035—including public transportation. 

Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “We can solve this climate crisis if we focus on the big, bold steps necessary to cut pollution. California now has a groundbreaking, world-leading plan to achieve 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.” 

This trend isn’t only relevant in California. The whole world is taking enormous strides to be more eco-friendly as quickly as possible. According to a new study performed by CALSTART, the U.S. ZEB market grew by 24% in 2020. Plus, it is predicted to continue growing at rapid rates.

ZEB Grants

Whether you are new to the industry or have already started building a fleet of ZEBs, many ZEB grants are available to support purchases of fleets and infrastructure software. Simply go to the Federal Transit Association website to apply for the grants you need. Below we have listed a few popular grants for ZEBs. 

FTA 5339

"The FTA 5339 provides funding to states and transit agencies through a statutory formula to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. In addition to the formula allocation, the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program (49 U.S.C. 5339) includes two discretionary components: the Bus and Bus Facilities Discretionary Program and the Low or No Emissions Bus Discretionary Program."

5339(c) Fleet and Lo-No Grant

"The 5339(c) Fleet and Lo-No Program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities."

Learn the basics of the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program and how to qualify.

FTA 5312 Innovation Grant

"FTA 5312 Innovation Grant provides funding to develop innovative products and services assisting transit agencies in better meeting the needs of their customers. Eligible recipients are determined for each competition, and may include: universities, public transportation systems, state DOTs, non-profit and for-profit entities, amongst others."

FTA 5307 Urban Formula Grant

"FTA 5307 Urban Formula Grant (49 U.S.C. 5307) makes federal resources available to urbanized areas and to governors for transit capital and operating assistance in urbanized areas and for transportation-related planning. An urbanized area is an incorporated area with a population of 50,000 or more that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census."

How Zero-Emission Bus Software Tools Help Your Transit Agency

Without the proper analytics software, your transit agency cannot operate at maximum efficiency. You need a system that allows you to gather and analyze data from your fleet so that you can make educated, data-informed decisions. 

TransTrack Manager™ ZEB Module provides you with all the analytical information you need to get full transparency to your fleet, reduce unnecessary costs, and operate efficiently. 

Here are the top benefits of our TransTrack Manager™ ZEB Module:

#1 Gather Reportable Data

With the power of accredited Emissions Modeling already included in our TransTrack Manager™ ZEB Module, we can calculate emissions output and the emissions benefit that you gain as your agency makes the switch to a zero emissions bus fleet. Just a couple of clicks make end-of-year reporting a breeze. 

#2 Track KPIs

Tracking ZEB data is complex. The cost of electricity fluctuates based on location, time of day, and season, so the cost per mile isn’t as straightforward as diesel. Our software accounts for these factors and provides straightforward KPIs to monitor electric utility costs. 

TransTrack gives you visibility to 16 primary KPIs plus hundreds of secondary measurable metrics. And with 271 canned reports for you to review, you will have complete transparency in your agency. 

#3 Perform Data Analysis

To get the most out of your ZEB purchase and truly see an impact, our software helps analyze performance data. Armed with that knowledge, you can make your business as cost-efficient as possible.

#4 Prevent Range Anxiety

Range anxiety is the stress you get when you feel you may need to charge your vehicle but don’t know when you can get to a charger. This is a common fear among those new to the electric vehicle world. 

The ZEB Module eliminates range anxiety by showing complete transparency into a vehicle’s charge and will even send an alert if it needs to be charged sooner than expected. The extra insight gives your drivers peace of mind and prevents your buses from running out of charge. 

#5 View Operation Costs

Our automated utility bill tool provides actual costs to operating ZEB fleets so that you have full transparency and control of your fleet’s expenses. No more searching and digging for actual costs. 

#6 Enjoy a Convenient Centralized Location

Vehicle operating efficiency for your entire fleet is measured and stored in one central location. Easily see and compare your vehicles’ metrics to ensure your fleet is operating at peak performance. A centralized location equals more control, visibility, and peace of mind.  

#7 Get Right-Sizing Assistance

The ZEB Module can assist in right-sizing the transit fleet, which is critical to meet the needs of a growing transit agency.