EV Charging (Fleet) - West Coast

Continuing the West Coast article series, which showcases a hub of innovation in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous fleets, and sustainable infrastructure, this edition highlights some remarkable fleets and the advanced charging infrastructure driving their operations. A big thanks to the brilliant organizers and seamless scheduling by Tim Echols and team for making this experience possible!

Waymo (Autonomous) Fleet

Waymo’s fleet is a fascinating glimpse into the future of mobility. With a fleet of Jaguar vehicles, retrofitted with cutting-edge autonomous hardware (Cameras and LiDARs). Huge fleet operated 99% autonomous (except in garage and charging infrastructure).

Simple charging steps: (behind the fence)

1. Autonomous - Vehicle autonomously drives into the garage when the battery is low.
2. Manual - Maintenance Associates move the car to the charging station.
3. Manual - The vehicle is cleaned according to standard work instructions.
4. Manual - Maintenance Associates connects the vehicle to the charger for charging
5. Manual - Once charging is complete, they disconnect the car from the charger.
6. Passenger - Request a ride on the mobile app
7. Autonomous - Vehicle pull-out to pick up passengers
8. Passenger - Unlocks car, and start ride from the vehicle infotainment system.
9. Autonomous - Vehicle drives to drop location.

The fleet charging on 阿西布朗勃法瑞公司（ABB） chargers with 180KW ensuring quick and efficient power-ups for seamless operations. The turnaround process is impressive and highlights the operational excellence of the team.

A big shout-out to Michael G. and his team is doing a excellent job in keeping these awesome experience going and Special thanks to Michael for securing my tablet—truly a kind gesture (a story for another day, plus a couple of extra Waymo rides thrown in!). Funny enough, I even asked the support team if the car could autonomously return to my location with the lost-and-found item. LOL!

The Jaguar was an absolute beauty—luxurious, smooth, and exceptionally comforting. In light of the recent marketing news surrounding Jaguar, I must say that the Waymo rides in SFO serve as the perfect counter-narrative. Experiencing these rides firsthand is like a live commercial showcasing what makes Jaguar exceptional. It's a real opportunity for people to appreciate the brand's sophistication and innovation in an entirely new and exciting way.

But add the "autonomous kick" to it, and the experience becomes truly extraordinary. Riding in a self-driving Jaguar is like stepping into the future, where technology and elegance blend seamlessly for an unparalleled journey. It was both thrilling and soothing, a perfect demonstration of how far we’ve come in mobility innovation.

Check out a sneak peek of our incredible ride in the video below!

For those hesitant about autonomous vehicles or grappling with "autonomous phobia," let me assure you—this isn’t just a car; it’s a marvel of modern engineering packed with more sensors and cameras than any equipment I’ve ever seen. The Waymo Jaguar I-PACE is designed to see, sense, and respond to its environment with a level of precision that humans simply cannot replicate. It’s not just a ride; it’s a showcase of cutting-edge technology at work.

Take a look at the vehicle —those sleek additions aren’t just aesthetic. They represent a robust suite of sensors, cameras, and LiDAR that give the vehicle a comprehensive 360-degree awareness of its surroundings. Every corner, every detail is being monitored in real-time to ensure passenger safety. The top-mounted LiDAR and strategically placed cameras and radar systems can detect objects, predict behaviors, and make driving decisions with unmatched accuracy.

Here’s the kicker—if anything were to go wrong, it’s more likely due to the human driver outside than this autonomous machine. In fact, these vehicles are rigorously tested to handle California’s infamous traffic and unpredictable conditions, making them one of the safest rides you can experience.

Riding in a Waymo isn’t just a journey; it’s a glimpse into the future of transportation. The comfort of the luxurious Jaguar, combined with the intelligence of its autonomous technology, creates an unparalleled experience. The quiet hum of electric power and the precision of autonomous driving come together to give you peace of mind and a sense of awe.

So, if you’re in the SFO area, don’t miss the chance to hop into one of these extraordinary vehicles. It’s safe, sound, and a testament to how far technology has come to revolutionize mobility. With Waymo, we’re not just driving forward—we’re driving into the future.

Zūm School bus fleet.

School buses play a vital role in the lives of children, making transportation safe, fun, and reliable. They are also an ideal candidate for electrification, given their predictable and short-distance travel patterns. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers:

• Average distance school bus / year : 12,000 Miles
• Average distance school bus / day: 46 Miles (260 work days)
• On average a school bus travels 46 Miles / day and with over 99% of routes being under 78 miles.

With modern electric vehicle (EV) battery technology now capable of providing ranges of up to 150 miles on a single charge, the transition to electric school buses is not only feasible but also essential for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Years ago, I worked and explored this segment in detail and wrote articles highlighting why school buses are the perfect choice for alternative fueling:

Why is School Bus a PERFECT next choice for Alternate Fueling ! - Part 1

Part 2 - Why is School Bus a PERFECT next choice for Alternate Fueling !

Zūm is innovating in this space. With their mission to "Move kids Forward" there are making the student transportation SAFE, RELIABLE and SUSTAINABLE.

Zum has deployed a fleet of 74 all-electric school buses in Oakland Unified School District first major school district in the U.S. to transition to a 100% electrified school bus system.

BYD North America BYD | RIDE Battery-Electric School Buses and Tellus Power Green EV Chargers, Zūm ensures daily student transportation needs are met with clean energy.

Zūm didn’t stop with electrifying transportation. By leveraging Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, their buses do more than move students—they also contribute to cleaner energy systems. These buses, equipped with bidirectional chargers and managed through an AI-enabled Virtual Power Plant (VPP), can send approximately 2 gigawatt-hours of energy back to the grid annually.

Here’s why V2G is a game-changer:

• After completing their routes, school buses can return to the depot, plug in, and supply energy back to the grid during peak hours, such as dinner time when city-wide energy demand is highest.
• On non-school days, these buses become valuable energy assets, reducing strain on the grid and enhancing energy resilience.

This use case not only decarbonizes student transportation but also demonstrates the broader potential of electrified fleets to address energy challenges.

The negative impact of diesel buses on children’s health—especially on breathing and noise sensitivity, which can significantly affect the mood of gifted children—makes the case for electrification even stronger. GAURAV K SAINI and his team are at the forefront of this transformation, championing clean and innovative solutions for the next generation.

Investing more time and energy into this space is crucial, as it holds the power to positively impact both children’s health and the sustainability of our cities. School buses have always been an integral part of childhood; now, they’re shaping a cleaner, brighter future for all.

Fremont Police Fleet

Tesla gave us the opportunity to explore the Fremont Police Department Tesla EV fleet (and maybe even ride along—just kidding!). Officer Anthony shared insights about their experiences, and it was truly unique to see how Tesla’s technology integrates into law enforcement operations. These Teslas have been retrofitted and modified to accommodate essential police gear, including computers, extended bumpers, cameras, lights, and more. It’s exciting to think about the potential for more Teslas in law enforcement fleets in the future.

According to the officers, the department's daily driving needs of 70-100 miles are well-suited to overnight charging with Level 2 chargers. And when they need additional range, Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network is always nearby to support their operations.

Of course, no conversation about Teslas in policing would be complete without the infamous story: "Fremont Police Tesla Near-Dead Battery Forces Officer Off Pursuit". https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/fremont-police-tesla-out-of-electricity-pursuit/. But let’s be fair—no car, electric or gas-powered, runs on unlimited miles. Even gas vehicles can run out of fuel mid-pursuit if not prepared.

A quick reminder for anyone considering car chases: Tesla’s acceleration is 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. So, it’s probably better to yield and surrender!

P.S. Oh, and yes, I did get a chance to visit the Tesla Fremont factory—stay tuned for more on that in another article!

Apple Parking lot (Employee charging)

Apple Park, fondly known as the "Spaceship," is truly an architectural marvel! Every inch of the building reflects Steve Jobs' vision, blending innovation with sustainability in a way that’s nothing short of inspirational. For anyone in the architectural or sustainability field, I highly recommend studying Apple Park as a case study, it’s a goldmine of ideas.

Here are some standout features to marvel at:

• Naturally ventilated building, Almost no need for heating or air conditioning even for a campus housing 4,000 employees. (Picture below)
• 17 MW of solar power: Solar panels on the rooftop and parking lot contribute significantly to its energy needs.
• Battery storage of around 2 MW: Ensuring backup and efficient energy management.
• Microgrid supported by a 4 MW fuel cell: Enhancing resilience and sustainability.
• 1,000 EV chargers: Encouraging sustainable employee commuting.

Wonderful job done by Nathan Fleischer and his team for orchestrating such a seamless microgrid to support this modern, complex, and stunningly beautiful campus.. (Nathan's story on how he got hired was amazing, when do I start !!)

The 1,000 ChargePoint EV chargers installed at Apple Park are a testament to how forward-thinking the company is about sustainable employee practices. I firmly believe that workplace charging will become the second-largest EV charging segment, right after home charging. These chargers are seamlessly integrated with a mobile app that allows employees to monitor and authenticate usage. Currently, it's one car per charger, but with increasing demand, Apple is already planning to expand the number of chargers in their parking lot.

Due to time and traffic, I couldn’t explore as much as I’d hoped, but I’m definitely planning a deeper dive on my next visit. There’s so much to learn and adapt from this remarkable setup. Apple Park isn’t just a workplace—it’s a glimpse into the sustainable future we should all aspire to build.

Closing Thoughts

As I reflect on these experiences, it’s clear that the pathway for mobility is evolving through Electric -> Autonomous -> Ecosystem. From Waymo’s autonomous luxury rides to Zūm’s electric school buses, and Apple’s sustainable microgrid, the West Coast is paving the way for an electrified and connected future.

For anyone curious about the future of transportation, I encourage you to explore these innovations. Whether it’s an autonomous ride with Waymo, a sustainable school bus system like Zūm, or the marvels of Apple Park, the West Coast offers endless inspiration. Let’s continue to move forward, one electrified step at a time!