Wendel performed a feasibility study for CTtransit to add battery electric buses to their Hamden garage facility. CTtransit’s intent is to start with a pilot of 10 battery electric buses and ultimately grow the electric fleet to 30% and ultimately to 100% battery electric buses.

Wendel was selected to develop the designs for the 10 battery electric bus pilot. The design included upgrades to the existing 480v switchgear, the addition of 2 new distribution panel boards and associated cabling from the switchgear to a location near where the 10 new battery chargers would be located.

Design services also included placement and mounting of the chargers and dispensers, wiring design for power and controls to the chargers as well as the power from the chargers to the dispensers and from the dispensers to the bus charging ports. Electronic submetering for each charger is also included in the design.

To ensure safe charging and storage of the new battery electric buses Wendel also designed a new fire protection system for the bus storage area where the buses will be stored and charged. Current codes have not kept pace with the development of battery electric buses. Wendel, working with the local code officials, the State Fire Marshal and the insurance companies developed a fire protection system to protect the garage and surrounding buses from a lithium ion battery fire in an electric bus.

The new fire protection system consists of upgraded piping and sprinkler heads as well as the addition of a fire pump, pump house and backup generator for the fire pump.
CTtransit has also engaged Wendel for bidding and construction services for this project. Total design budget $115,660.00.

The 10 battery electric buses are scheduled to be ordered in July of 2020 with delivery expected in late spring or early summer 2021. Design is currently on schedule and is scheduled to be complete late summer of 2020.