Hampton Jitney has partnered with Sprocket Power to install a behind-the-meter microgrid at its Calverton, New York, facility to support fleet electrification, manage electricity costs and prepare for the arrival of electric motorcoaches in 2027.

The system combines on-site solar photovoltaic generation, commercial battery energy storage and energy management software to support EV charging while reducing reliance on utility power during periods of high demand.

According to Sprocket Power, the project is designed to address several challenges associated with fleet electrification, including rising electricity costs, charging infrastructure capacity and maintaining operations during power outages.

Managing Charging Costs and Grid Capacity

As Hampton Jitney prepares to electrify its fleet, the addition of 1 MW of electrical demand is expected to increase pressure on the facility's existing utility infrastructure.

In response to questions about the project, Sprocket Power explained that managing demand charges and electricity consumption was a primary consideration.

"The project helps modulate and control these additional loads, shift usage to off peak times and even exports to the local grid to shore up capacity. These “grid friendly” behaviors are compensated by PSEG-LI and NY State, creating a substantial economic benefit," said staff at Hampton Jitney.

The microgrid uses battery storage to capture electricity generated by solar panels and dispatch that energy during periods of higher demand. Its management software coordinates energy production, storage and consumption around Hampton Jitney's transportation schedules.

The system also provides additional electrical capacity at the facility while reducing the amount of power needed from the utility during peak periods.

"The microgrid project provides a degree of independence through on-site supply and control and also exports energy to support the local grid. Utilities are increasingly looking to these behind the meter approaches to EV infrastructure buildout as they create more cost-effective results for multiple stakeholders."

Beyond charging, the system is designed to provide backup power during outages.

"The microgrid provides resiliency benefits to the site as it can operate during power outages, allowing Hampton Jitney to continuously operate their ticketing and business operations during an outage."

Electric Coaches Could Reduce Fueling Costs by More Than 75%

Hampton Jitney expects the microgrid to reduce per-mile fueling costs by more than 75% compared with conventional diesel motorcoaches.

According to additional information provided about the project, diesel motorcoaches currently cost approximately $0.75 to $1 per mile to fuel, compared with less than $0.20 per mile for an electric coach charged using the microgrid's solar generation, battery storage and off-peak grid electricity.

"At recent diesel prices, a diesel motorcoach costs roughly $0.75-$1.00 per mile to fuel, versus under $0.20 per mile for an electric coach charged from the microgrid's solar, battery storage and off-peak grid power. That works out to roughly $40,000-$60,000 in fuel savings per coach per year."

The projected savings would depend on annual vehicle mileage, electricity costs and diesel prices.

The project is also intended to support Hampton Jitney's sustainability goals by reducing diesel consumption and incorporating renewable electricity into fleet operations.

"Regional transportation providers are often blocked from achieving the economic and resilience benefits of microgrids due to engineering and capital complexity," said Maria Fields, CEO and co-founder of Sprocket Power. "Sprocket Power was founded to close this gap by designing, building, and operating these systems."

Phase 2 Expansion to Add 1 MW of Fast Charging

The Calverton facility currently includes EV charging infrastructure and portable DC fast-charging equipment.

A planned second phase would add 1 MW of dedicated DC fast-charging capacity, allowing the location to support additional electric commercial vehicles and potentially serve other regional fleet operators.

Hampton Jitney expects to begin receiving electric coaches in 2027. Other transportation providers, including Suffolk County, are also expected to begin electrifying their fleets that year.

However, the total number of vehicles that will use the charging hub has not been determined.

"Total number will depend on availability of vehicles and replacement schedules for existing fleet. Hampton Jitney is also looking to offer their charging hub to other fleets including local school districts and commercial vehicles."

The expansion would allow Hampton Jitney to provide charging services beyond its own operations, potentially supporting electric school buses and other commercial fleets operating across Long Island.

Supporting Emissions Reductions and Fleet Operations

Sprocket Power estimates the microgrid could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 590 metric tons annually by displacing diesel consumption and reducing reliance on higher-emission electricity generation during peak demand periods.

The companies said the installation also supports New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals by adding distributed energy resources and managing electricity demand.

"Hampton Jitney has been a Long Island institution for over 50 years," said Andrew Lynch, vice president of Hampton Jitney and a second-generation operator. "Building this microgrid represents the next chapter in our commitment to the communities we serve."

The project represents an approach to fleet electrification that combines vehicle charging with on-site energy management, rather than relying solely on additional utility capacity.

For Hampton Jitney, the system is intended to help manage operating expenses and support the transition to electric coaches while maintaining reliable transportation and business operations.