CapMetro activates 2.9 MW charging grid to extend electric bus range

CapMetro has opened two new park-and-ride facilities in Austin, Goodnight Ranch and Expo Center, both equipped with overhead pantograph chargers. The infrastructure supports the agency's Rapid 800 and Rapid 837 electric bus lines, which began service alongside the new terminals this month. The facilities were first announced in June 2026.

The charging network connects to CapMetro's main bus depot, where infrastructure partner Camber Charging installed two 1,440 kW charging systems. These units connect to 48 industrial dispensers, creating a total charging capacity of 2.9 MW at the depot. The setup is designed to charge up to 48 electric buses simultaneously during overnight hours.

The overhead chargers at the terminal ends of the Rapid 800 and 837 routes allow buses to top up their batteries at the end of each run. This on-route charging eliminates range concerns for the return trip. CapMetro Chief Operations Officer Andy Skabowski stated that the system extends bus service time from a typical eight hours to 20 or 22 hours. He noted that frequent charging via the pantograph enables the agency to commit to 10 to 15 minute service intervals.

The fleet consists of Xcelsior battery-electric transit buses manufactured by New Flyer. The vehicles deliver up to 320 all-electric horsepower, with full torque available at 0 rpm. While the agency did not specify the exact battery capacity used in these units, New Flyer states the platform can offer up to 660 kWh of available capacity. The low-speed torque profile is suited for Austin's stop-and-go traffic patterns.

Camber Charging manages preventive maintenance, charger software, energy management, and remote diagnostics across all three locations. The company supplied and installed the primary charging equipment at the depot. The new terminals also include improved passenger amenities for riders using the electric bus lines.

The expansion marks a shift in CapMetro's operational model by integrating charging directly into the route endpoints. The agency electrified the two bus lines before the terminals opened. The 2.9 MW grid at the depot and the pantograph systems at the terminals now form a unified charging network for the growing electric fleet.