Automated Depot Charging for 100 E-Buses – The Miami-Dade Case Study

As one of the largest transit agencies in Florida, Miami-Dade Transit is expanding its battery-electric bus fleet to reduce emissions and support long-term sustainability goals. A key success factor in this transition is the use of automated, conductive charging systems that ensure dependable daily operations and provide flexibility for future fleet growth. 

Schunk Smart Charging supports this transition with proven pantograph charging technology designed specifically for the operational demands of public transit environments. 

Miami-Dade Transit is currently constructing a new electric bus depot charging infrastructure to support its growing battery-electric bus fleet. Completion of the project is planned for Q1. The project includes 100 battery-electric buses manufactured by New Flyer (NFI). The charging systems are supplied by Heliox Energy and are equipped with a total of 62 Schunk pantographs of the SLS201.102 type. This setup supports efficient, automated pantograph charging and provides a scalable foundation for future depot operations.

• Operator: Miami-Dade Transit 
• Bus OEM: New Flyer (NFI) 
• Fleet size: 100 battery-electric buses 
• Charger supplier: Heliox Energy 
• Pantographs: 62 Schunk pantographs 
• Pantograph type: SLS201.102 

In this project, vehicles, charging systems, and pantographs are technically aligned and seamlessly integrated. Miami-Dade Transit awarded the contract to New Flyer, which is responsible for manufacturing the electric buses and coordinating the charging infrastructure. Heliox Energy supplies the charging systems and integrates the pantographs into the overall solution. Schunk manufactures the pantographs and contributes its expertise in conductive charging systems for electric buses. 

This technical alignment creates the foundation for reliable electric bus depot charging once the system is fully operational. Pantograph installations are currently underway, and chargers and pantographs will be commissioned as part of the final project phase. Completion of the charging infrastructure is planned for Q1.

The Schunk SLS201.102 pantograph is engineered for high availability and consistent performance in demanding electric bus charging applications. Its robust mechanical design and precise contact technology ensure stable energy transfer while minimizing wear and maintenance requirements. Automated pantograph charging reduces manual intervention and supports efficient depot processes, particularly in large facilities with tightly scheduled vehicle movements. 

For transit agencies, this provides a future-proof technical foundation for fleet electrification and scalable depot operations. 

The Miami-Dade Transit project is a strong reference for Schunk Smart Charging solutions in North America. It demonstrates how scalable pantograph charging infrastructure supports transit agencies in preparing their depots for zero-emission fleets without compromising operational requirements. 

Further Schunk Smart Charging reference projects across the United States highlight how transit agencies nationwide rely on pantograph-based charging solutions for electric bus depots.

Are you looking for the right charging infrastructure for your e-bus depot or planning to expand your electric bus fleet? Our experts will be happy to support you, from system design to the integration of high-performance pantograph solutions. Explore our Smart Charging portfolio or get in touch with our team directly.

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Here you will find all relevant brochures, technical documents, and product information on pantographs and charging systems for electric vehicles.

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