Spokane Transit Sets the Standard for Electric Transit in the Pacific Northwest

Release date: 2025-11-27 21:22:44 Reading volume: 4

Spokane Transit Authority (STA) is setting a new benchmark for zero-emission transit in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Operating two fully electric routes – including the region's only Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – and a growing fleet of battery-electric buses, STA demonstrates that transit innovation can thrive even in a climate where temperatures swing from -10°F to 110°F.

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Reliability Under Extreme Conditions

Running an electric fleet in Spokane, WA demands operational flexibility, with more than 50% of STA’s battery-electric bus (BEB) charging occurring outside the depot. Seasonal temperature extremes and dynamic route conditions can cause energy consumption to vary significantly per mile. To keep buses moving year-round, STA manages multiple sub-fleets with varying battery capacities (ranging from 405 kWh to 675 kWh) and charging capabilities (ranging from 150 kW to 450 kW).

Infrastructure That Delivers

Operating BEB’s since 2021, STA partnered with ABB E-mobility to deploy a charging network that supports both depot and opportunity charging scenarios.

Depot Charging

At the ‘Boone Northwest Garage’, STA operates two pantograph chargers powered by an HVC450 system and 20 plug-in outlets powered by 10 HVC150 cabinets. This 2:1 configuration, using ceiling-mounted depot boxes, allows two buses to charge sequentially sharing the power output from one cabinet. Nearly 50% of STA’s electrification needs are met by this comprehensive depot charging strategy, supporting overnight operational needs and the charging demands of 40 electric buses.

Opportunity Charging

BRT systems prioritize speed and reliability, using features such as platform-level boarding and high-frequency service to move passengers quickly across busy corridors. To maintain service on the BRT line with 7.5-minute frequency during peak hours, STA required high-power, on-route charging infrastructure capable of charging a bus in minutes.

Two HVC450 systems were installed at the end of the line along Route 4 – STA's highest ridership route – and the City Line BRT route for ultra-fast charging. Delivering up to 450 kW with 600 A pantographs, buses receive a sufficient charge within several minutes, ensuring they remain on schedule without returning to the depot. The pantographs are strategically placed on the East-West BRT line at Mission St. to provide top-ups when additional energy is needed.

ABB E-mobility's charging infrastructure totals 4.2 MW of charging power across STA’s three locations and has delivered over 8 million kWh of electricity with >99% uptime.

Scaling for the Future

With 164 buses in total, STA has already transitioned about 25% of its fleet to battery-electric – the largest BEB fleet in the Pacific Northwest – and is on track to achieve a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2045. Half of the electric buses rely exclusively on opportunity charging, emphasizing the importance of fast and reliable infrastructure.

In early 2026, STA’s team will participate in ABB E-mobility’s Service Training Program, enabling in-house technicians to perform service activities on-site after receiving certification. To further maximize uptime, ABB E-mobility’s digital asset intelligence with remote monitoring provides real-time data to ensure high reliability and performance of STA’s EV charging infrastructure.

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