Summary - Clean Buses US 2023

There is tremendous momentum in deployment of zero emission buses (ZEBs) in the US. Currently, more than 5,500 full-size ZEBs are operating across the country. This is an increase of more than 65 per cent in deployment since 2021. The number of small ZEBs has also increased substantially.

This growth is driven by the US administration's aim to transition to a 100 percent clean, ZEB fleet by replacing 50,000 diesel transit vehicles to achieve the climate goal of net zero by 2050. Record-levels of Federal funding has been made available through various programs including the Low-No Grants, the Bus and Bus Facilities Grants, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, and the Clean School Bus Program. Many state-level policies, introduced in the past few years, have also contributed to the growth in the ZEB fleet.

California continues to be the leading state in the deployment of ZEBs, followed by Washington, New York and Florida. Many other states including Arizona, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine have also significantly increased their ZEB fleet over the past 2 years. Transit agencies have largely focused on the deployment of battery electric buses (BEBs), although the uptake of fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) has also increased noticeably.

As transit agencies and operators continue to explore and expand ZEB deployment, there are several challenges that they face. These pertain to the ideal fuel mix, an optimal strategy for ZEB deployment, effective setting up of infrastructure, TCO in a rapidly changing technology environment, performance of ZEBs, developing a business model for ZEBs, partnerships with utilities, and so on. Further, technological challenges have continued to impact the performance of ZEBs. These relate to power consumption, energy storage capacity, range, energy efficiency, high grid emissions, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

That said, the industry is also making concerted efforts to improve technology and that coupled with the government’s clear vision to transition to a cleaner fleet, ZEB deployments are expected to further grow significantly in this decade.

To discuss these developments, challenges and opportunities, Global Mass Transit is organizing its third conference on “Clean Buses US”, on November 7-8, 2023 in the InterContinental San Francisco.

The mission of the conference is to discuss the federal government’s funding, policies and programs for zero emission bus (ZEB) deployment, experience so far, best practices, optimal strategy to transition to a clean fleet, recent developments, challenges in large-scale deployments and scaling up infrastructure, and lessons learned. It will also highlight the plans of transit agencies and opportunities available in the segment. The conference will also provide a platform to showcase new technologies.

The conference will bring together policymakers, transit agencies, state transport departments, local government officials, OEMs, suppliers of bus components, technology providers, energy providers, charging solution suppliers and battery manufacturers, hydrogen-fueling infrastructure providers, funding agencies, consultants, researchers, and academicians.

The two-day conference will have 14 sessions, panel discussions and case studies, with a wide array of international experts providing valuable insights and actionable advice. It will cover a range of clean buses and solutions. Examples will be provided for large, medium and small transit agencies. The agenda will cover the plans of cities to deploy clean fuel buses, especially zero emission buses, in the US. It will also highlight the latest technological developments and solutions to improve the customer experience.

The conference will also help understand the role governments, transit agencies, transport operators, manufacturers, and consultants can play in deploying zero emission buses in a city. Besides, it will provide insights into the offerings of leading manufacturers and suppliers.

There will be a dedicated session on the experiences of leading transit authorities in the deployment of clean buses. This will provide an opportunity to learn how to deploy clean buses and charging/fueling infrastructure, mobilize funding, and manage stakeholder expectations.

Role of zero emission buses in journey to net-zero
Federal initiatives in promoting zero emission buses
Transitioning to zero emission buses: Strategies, policies, case studies, experience so far and best practices
Plans of cities in the US for the deployment of clean buses
Opportunities available for suppliers of clean buses
Progress in the deployment of zero emission buses
Electric bus charging infrastructure: Innovations, new technologies and infrastructure for large-scale fleets
OEM perspective on role of electric buses in the journey to net zero
OEM perspective on hydrogen: Launching new technologies, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and commercializing hydrogen
Operations and maintenance of electric buses and hydrogen-fueled buses
Investing in grid capacity to support electric buses
Transit agency and utility partnerships
Value of micro grids
Hydrogen refuelling stations and infrastructure
Economics and business model
Planning for, scheduling of and monitoring clean buses
Clean School Bus Program
Total cost of ownership of zero emission buses
Economics and business models
Using data, AI, analytics, diagnostics, digitalization, remote monitoring for fleet management
Autonomous and electric bus trials
Integration of zero emission fleet with new mobility (MaaS and AVs)
Sourcing green energy
Workforce training
Overcoming challenges of equity and inclusion