ChargePoint and Powers Parts Partner to Accelerate Transit Electrification Across North America
As public transportation systems across North America continue transitioning toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions, reliable charging infrastructure and operational support remain among the biggest challenges facing transit agencies. Addressing this growing need, ChargePoint and Powers Parts have announced a new strategic partnership designed to simplify and accelerate transit electrification by improving access to charging technology, telematics, and long-term fleet support services.
The collaboration marks an important step in advancing electric transit adoption by enabling transit operators to access a more complete ecosystem of electrification tools through a single distribution network. Through the agreement, transit agencies operating E2 and ZX5 Phoenix electric buses will be able to purchase ChargePoint charging hardware, fleet software, and related services directly through Powers Parts. The initiative aims to streamline procurement, simplify deployment, and improve overall fleet reliability for agencies transitioning to electric mobility.
Supporting the Growth of Electric Transit
Transit agencies are increasingly adopting electric buses as governments and transportation authorities pursue sustainability targets, reduce carbon emissions, and improve urban air quality. Electrified public transit has become a central pillar in broader transportation decarbonization strategies, helping cities lower greenhouse gas emissions while providing quieter, cleaner, and more efficient transportation services for passengers.
However, the move to electric transit comes with unique operational complexities. Agencies not only require access to electric buses but also dependable charging systems, telematics platforms, maintenance support, diagnostics, and supply chain continuity. Without an integrated infrastructure ecosystem, fleet uptime and operational efficiency can suffer significantly.
Recognizing these challenges, ChargePoint and Powers Parts have joined forces to create a more seamless path toward electrification for transit agencies across North America.
According to company leadership, the partnership represents a natural alignment between ChargePoint’s expertise in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and Powers Parts’ established relationships within the electric transit ecosystem.
Rick Wilmer, Chief Executive Officer of ChargePoint, emphasized the critical role transit plays in the future of transportation electrification and the importance of reliable support systems to ensure long-term success.
He explained that public transit is an essential component of broader transportation electrification because it delivers healthier transportation options for communities while improving the experience for drivers and passengers alike. As the market continues expanding, dependable charging infrastructure and comprehensive operational support will become increasingly necessary.
Wilmer noted that partnering with Powers Parts extends ChargePoint’s reach deeper into the transit market, combining the distributor’s trusted industry relationships with ChargePoint’s scalable charging and telematics capabilities.
The collaboration reflects an understanding that transit electrification is about more than simply deploying charging stations. It requires coordinated planning, data visibility, maintenance readiness, and infrastructure reliability to keep fleets operational and cost-efficient.
Simplifying Procurement for Transit Agencies
One of the major benefits of the partnership lies in simplifying the purchasing and deployment process for transit agencies.
Through Powers Parts’ established national distribution channel, operators of E2 and ZX5 Phoenix EV buses can now source ChargePoint charging hardware, software, and services directly through an existing procurement relationship. This removes friction from the acquisition process and creates a more streamlined experience for agencies that may otherwise face procurement delays or fragmented supplier coordination.
By consolidating access to charging infrastructure and fleet support under a trusted distributor, agencies can focus more effectively on fleet deployment and day-to-day operations.
The streamlined procurement model is particularly important as transit organizations navigate budget constraints, infrastructure planning, and evolving operational requirements. Managing multiple vendors for charging systems, replacement parts, telematics, and service support can create unnecessary complexity and administrative burden.
The partnership seeks to reduce these barriers while improving access to dependable charging infrastructure that helps maximize vehicle uptime.
Together, ChargePoint and Powers Parts aim to provide a turnkey operational framework that supports agencies throughout the electrification process—from infrastructure deployment to ongoing fleet management.
Addressing Service and Support Gaps in Electric Transit
The partnership also seeks to address a growing challenge affecting transit agencies currently operating Phoenix electric buses.
Many agencies across North America have E2 and ZX5 Phoenix EV buses already in service alongside associated charging equipment. However, some operators continue to face service and support gaps that can disrupt fleet operations and reduce confidence in electric transit deployment.
Charging infrastructure issues, limited diagnostics support, maintenance concerns, and supply chain disruptions can negatively impact vehicle reliability and operational performance.
ChargePoint and Powers Parts say their partnership directly responds to these issues by bringing together complementary strengths.
ChargePoint contributes its proven charging hardware, software systems, and telematics capabilities, while Powers Parts adds an extensive distribution network and deep relationships across the transit ecosystem. By combining these capabilities, the two organizations aim to provide agencies with stronger operational continuity and improved long-term support.
For transit operators, minimizing downtime is a top priority. Unlike personal passenger vehicles, buses follow fixed schedules and serve thousands of commuters daily. Even minor disruptions in charging reliability or maintenance coordination can create cascading operational problems for transportation systems.
The partnership is designed to help agencies maintain consistent service levels by ensuring access to both charging infrastructure and the operational tools required to manage electric fleets effectively.
Reliable DC Fast Charging for Fleet Uptime
A central element of the collaboration is the deployment of ChargePoint’s DC fast charging infrastructure, which plays a critical role in supporting electric transit operations.
Fast charging solutions are especially important for transit fleets because buses often operate on demanding schedules with limited downtime between routes. Agencies need dependable charging equipment capable of minimizing charging times while ensuring vehicles remain ready for service.
ChargePoint’s charging solutions are built to support fleet operations at scale, helping transit operators optimize charging schedules and maintain maximum fleet availability.
Reliable charging infrastructure contributes directly to vehicle uptime, which remains one of the most important performance indicators for transit systems. Every hour a vehicle spends out of service due to charging or infrastructure issues can negatively affect scheduling efficiency and passenger service quality.
By integrating reliable charging systems into a broader operational ecosystem, the partnership seeks to reduce disruptions and improve the long-term sustainability of electric bus operations.
Enhancing Fleet Visibility Through Telematics
Beyond charging hardware, ChargePoint brings advanced fleet management and telematics capabilities to the partnership.
Fleet telematics has become increasingly important for electric transit operations because it enables agencies to monitor vehicle performance, charging behavior, battery health, and route efficiency in real time.
ChargePoint’s fleet management software offers operators a centralized platform designed to improve operational visibility and efficiency. Through a single interface, transit agencies can access tools that support route optimization, vehicle performance monitoring, and charging management.
The platform is designed to provide real-time data visibility, enabling operators to make informed decisions based on current fleet conditions rather than reactive maintenance strategies.
Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities help agencies identify operational trends, monitor system performance, and improve decision-making around fleet utilization.
Battery health monitoring is another major benefit of the system. Since battery performance plays a critical role in electric vehicle range and reliability, agencies need detailed visibility into battery condition to maximize vehicle lifespan and reduce long-term ownership costs.
ChargePoint’s platform offers battery performance insights that help transit agencies better manage maintenance schedules and improve total cost of ownership.
Supporting Mixed-Fuel Fleet Operations
An important differentiator of ChargePoint’s telematics platform is its ability to support mixed-fuel fleets.
Many transit agencies remain in transition phases where electric buses operate alongside diesel, compressed natural gas, or hybrid vehicles. Managing these mixed fleets can create operational complexity, especially when separate software platforms are required for different vehicle types.
ChargePoint’s telematics system is not limited exclusively to electric vehicles. Instead, it is designed to work across multiple vehicle categories, allowing agencies to manage diverse fleets from a single platform.
This flexibility enables operators to oversee electric and conventional vehicles together, improving visibility and simplifying operational management during the electrification transition.
For agencies gradually increasing EV adoption, having one centralized system for diagnostics, reporting, and fleet performance monitoring can reduce administrative complexity and improve decision-making.
The approach supports a smoother transition toward full electrification without forcing agencies to abandon legacy operational systems prematurely.
Open Standards and Infrastructure Compatibility
Interoperability also remains an important focus area for transit electrification.
ChargePoint’s fleet management software is compliant with the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), an industry standard that enables compatibility across multiple charging hardware providers.
OCPP compliance ensures that transit agencies are not locked into a single infrastructure provider and can integrate third-party charging solutions where needed. This flexibility gives operators greater freedom to adapt charging strategies based on operational requirements and infrastructure investments.
Open standards are increasingly valuable in the EV charging industry because they support scalability and long-term infrastructure planning. Transit agencies often operate under long procurement cycles and need technology ecosystems capable of evolving over time.
By supporting third-party hardware management, ChargePoint’s software provides agencies with more flexibility to future-proof their charging infrastructure investments.
Powers Parts Expands Its Role in Transit Electrification
For Powers Parts, the partnership reflects a broader evolution in its business strategy.
The company originally focused on solving supply chain and replacement parts challenges affecting electric transit fleets. As its relationships with agencies expanded, Powers Parts identified a growing need for broader operational support extending beyond component availability.
Transit agencies increasingly required assistance with charging infrastructure, diagnostics, telematics integration, and long-term fleet management planning.
Recognizing this shift, Powers Parts moved toward building a more comprehensive operational support model for electric transit customers.
Company leadership described the partnership with ChargePoint as a natural extension of that evolution, enabling Powers Parts to offer a more complete support ecosystem for agencies navigating electrification challenges.
Rather than focusing solely on parts distribution, the company now aims to help agencies manage the operational realities of electric transportation more holistically.
Accelerating the Future of Electric Public Transportation
As North America’s transit systems continue modernizing their fleets, partnerships such as the one between ChargePoint and Powers Parts are likely to play an increasingly important role in supporting successful EV adoption.
Electrification requires more than vehicle procurement. Transit agencies must coordinate charging infrastructure, maintenance readiness, data management, operational visibility, and long-term service reliability.
By combining ChargePoint’s EV charging and telematics expertise with Powers Parts’ established transit relationships and distribution network, the companies hope to eliminate barriers that slow electric fleet adoption.
The partnership ultimately seeks to make electric transit deployment more practical, efficient, and reliable for agencies operating across diverse environments and operational requirements.
With demand for sustainable public transportation continuing to rise, solutions that improve uptime, streamline procurement, and simplify fleet management could become key enablers of transit electrification in the years ahead.
About ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.
ChargePoint has established itself as the leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging innovation since its inception in 2007, long before EVs became widely available. The company provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the entire EV ecosystem, from the grid to the dashboard of the vehicle. The company serves EV drivers, charging station owners, vehicle manufacturers, and similar types of stakeholders. With a commitment to accessibility and reliability, ChargePoint’s extensive portfolio of software, hardware, and services ensures a seamless charging experience for drivers across North America and Europe. ChargePoint empowers every driver in need of charging access, connecting them to over 1.37 million public and private charging ports worldwide. ChargePoint has facilitated the powering of more than 21 billion electric miles, underscoring its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying the future of transportation. For further information, please visit the ChargePoint pressroom or the ChargePoint Investor Relations site.
