Joondalup Bus Depot EV Charging Infrastructure

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Joondalup Bus Depot EV Charging Infrastructure

In a collaborative effort to improve public transportation in Western Australia, Addelec, along with ABB and LKS Construction, successfully developed and implemented a high-voltage EV charging system at the Joondalup bus depot. This innovative project introduces an advanced charging infrastructure that supports the overnight recharging of electric buses. Our partnership with Perth Transport Authority & Transperth as direct clients ensured the project met the specific needs and expectations of the local transit system.

Challenge

The primary challenge was to integrate a robust, sustainable charging system that could accommodate the existing and future needs of the Joondalup bus depot. The project required a solution that leveraged the existing grid network and incorporated renewable energy sources. Additionally, the system needed to support the charging of multiple electric buses simultaneously, ensuring efficient operations for the depot’s new Volvo electric buses.

Solution

Our comprehensive approach involved a meticulous power consumption analysis followed by designing and engineering a future-proof charging system. We installed a combination of high-voltage chargers, including ABB’s Terra124 High-Power EV Chargers, and integrated a 100kW solar array with a large on-site Battery Storage System (BESS). This system is enhanced with cloud connectivity and remote monitoring capabilities, allowing for 24/7 oversight and maximising operational efficiency. Key infrastructure developments included the installation of a new 1MW site transformer and custom-designed main switchboards tailored for EV infrastructure. The design also incorporated provisions for easy expansion to accommodate up to 12 buses within the next two to four years.

Impact

The Joondalup bus depot now operates an advanced EV charging system that dramatically enhances the sustainability and efficiency of public transport in Western Australia. The depot’s capability to charge electric buses overnight significantly reduces downtime and prepares the transport system for future expansions. The project supports the transition to zero-emission buses and establishes a scalable model that can be replicated across other depots, promoting broader adoption of electrified public transport solutions. Since its inauguration in August 2021, the system has proven effective and reliable, marking a significant step forward in sustainable urban transport.

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