Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) in Richland, WA, has entered into a demonstration program with Complete Coach Works (CCW) to help develop an all-electric, remanufactured public transit bus capable of operating for more than 100 miles without recharging. A CALSTART grant funds this effort.

CCW is working to significantly reduce the carbon footprint involved with building a public transit bus by remanufacturing an existing bus into like-new condition, reducing capital expenditures in the process. This approach reduces landfill pollution as well as lowering carbon emissions.

BFT General Manager Tim Fredrickson said: “We are very happy to be a part of this project. We have been involved in another alternative energy demonstration, and we have never been shy about experimenting with applications that make sense for the industry. However, this demonstration project may prove to be the future of electric public transportation for the next generations.”

When completed, BFT’s bus will have all electrical components, auxiliary wiring, seats, air conditioning systems, and flooring replaced with high-quality new parts. New parts to be installed include the all-electric drive system, motor, controller, and advanced lithium-ion battery packs, as well as a new air conditioning system.

BFT and CCW have selected one specific route for deployment of the electric bus: Route 23/26, which makes frequent stops within a total eight-mile loop and operates at a low average speed.

A mockup of what BFT’s remanufactured, all-electric bus might look like.