As part of its carbon neutrality and fleet electrification goals, the University at Buffalo (UB) partnered with PlugIn Stations Online (PISO) to install a major EV charging hub at the Beane Center. With support from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and National Grid, this project now stands as the largest EV fleet charging lot among universities in New York State. The installation provides a scalable charging solution for UB’s current fleet of electric vehicles while laying the groundwork for future expansion.
Key Highlights
- Installed 18 dual-port Level 2 chargers and 2 dual-port DC Fast Chargers.
- Utilized existing 480V switchgear and installed a 2000A 3R switchboard and 500 KVA transformer.
- Installed spare conduit to support future charging phases.
- Plans for 2 future phases of additional installs.
Breaking Ground
UB faced several challenges in executing this project. One of the most significant was the lack of available power at the site. While existing 480V switchgear was used to support the new infrastructure, the electrical run required extended lengths of wire and conduit through sidewalks and asphalt. Combined with colder weather, these roadblocks added complexity to excavation and patching work, requiring careful planning and coordination.
Another major hurdle was the long lead time for critical equipment, including the 2000A switchboard and 500 KVA transformer. UB’s goal was to complete the project before the warmer months, so PISO worked diligently to source equipment that met the technical specifications while also meeting the timeline.
Although PISO had previously installed a small number of Level 2 chargers on UB’s campus, this was our first project at the Beane Center. NYPA brought the opportunity to PISO based on previous successful collaborations, and UB provided engineering support to help move the project forward.
Site Work
In collaboration with Ferguson Electric, PISO installed 18 dual-port Level 2 chargers and two dual-port DC Fast Chargers at the Beane Center. All chargers were pedestal-mounted and included cable management systems. PISO coordinated extensively with the university, designing the infrastructure for future phased installations. This included installing as much power capacity as possible during the current phase and running a spare conduit to simplify future additions.
This project was delivered as a turnkey solution, with PISO handling the procurement, coordination of electrical and civil work, commissioning of the chargers, and execution of NYSERDA and utility rebate applications. The chargers are operated on EV Connect’s software platform, ensuring reliable access and management.
Looking Ahead
This installation marks the completion of Phase 1, with plans for two more phases. The current infrastructure supports 36 Level 2 and 4 DC Fast Charging ports, providing UB with a robust, flexible charging solution to meet the demands of its electric fleet. With UB planning to electrify over 350 fleet vehicles, this project provides the necessary foundation to achieve the university’s Zero Carbon Mobility goal under the UB 10 in 10 climate action plan.
Interested in preparing your campus or organization for electric fleet conversion? Connect with PISO, your trusted partner in scalable and sustainable EV infrastructure.