Electric Bus Facility
Hawaiian Electric Company’s E-Bus rates enable bus fleet customers to benefit from lower prices that encourage charging during the Mid-Day period (9 AM – 5 PM) when there is abundant solar energy on the grid, and overnight during the Off-Peak period (9 PM – 9 AM) when electricity demand is low. The biggest savings on E-Bus rates are expected to result from low demand charges as compared to standard commercial rates.
How to Enroll
We recommend contacting our Electrification of Transportation Department at GoEV@hawaiianelectric.com as early as possible in your planning process. Bus operators seeking to add EV charging services for ebuses should work with an electrical design consultant to understand their installation options. The EV Charger Siting Tool can be used to determine whether system upgrades to Hawaiian Electric's distribution system might be required to support new EV charger(s) at a facility.
A separate meter is required to enroll in an E-Bus rate. Customers installing a new separately metered EV charging system should complete a new electrical service application and note the desired rate in the “Comments” section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Who is eligible for E-Bus rates?
A:
Charging under the E-Bus pilot rate is limited to electric on-road bus charging facilities.
Q:
Is the rate limited to bus charging only?
A:
Other ancillary uses, limited to 5 kW, that are related to bus charging such as area lighting are permitted.
For more details, the approved tariffs are available in the links below:
Oahu
Hawaii Island
Maui
Molokai
Lanai
Q:
Can my charging system include renewable energy such as a solar PV system?
A:
Smart Renewable Energy Non-Export systems can be installed with the charging infrastructure under the E-Bus tariff. Non-export systems do not allow for export bill compensation. Please see the following resources for more information:
Q:
Are there incentives for electric buses and charging infrastructure?
A:
Yes.
The Diesel Replacement Rebate Program (DRR) provides rebates for up to 45% of the cost of a zero-emission medium or heavy-duty vehicle that replaces an existing diesel-powered vehicle. The existing vehicle must be scrapped. The rebate can also cover up to 45% of the cost of a battery-electric vehicle charger. Chargers that must meet the Build America, Buy America requirements are not eligible for funding through the DRR program. Rebates will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2028, or until funds are exhausted. For more information, visit the Hawaii State Energy Office Diesel Replacement Rebate Program.
Hawaii Energy also administers electric vehicle charging station incentives funded by the State of Hawaii. First-time installation of new, multi-port, networked level 2 stations are eligible for $4,500 incentives. First-time installation of new:, networked DC fast-charging stations are eligible for $35,000 incentives. Incentives are also available for retrofits. For more information, visit Hawaii Energy.
Q:
Can I enroll in the E-Bus Pilot rates?
A:
The E-Bus Pilot rates are closed to new customers. Customers participating in the Charge Up eBus make-ready infrastructure program may remain on the E-Bus Pilot rates for the duration of the 10-year commitment period. The Pilot tariff sheets are linked below:
Oahu
Maui
Hawaii
Q:
How are the Regular E-Bus rates different from the Pilot E-Bus rate?
A:
The Regular E-Bus rates serve a standalone meter and offer a low demand charge. In comparison, the Pilot E-Bus rates are applicable to charging facilities with an existing commercial account on Schedule J or Schedule P, which will serve as the host meter. In addition, the Pilot E-Bus rates demand charges only apply when the customer’s peak demand occurs during the On-Peak period, and is in excess of the host meter demand. The Pilot’s demand charges are the same as the host meter.
