Last winter in Oslo, the temperature dropped below –20°C and snow piled high across the city. In the depots, electric buses lined up through the night, their batteries draining faster than expected. Chargers slowed under the strain, and departure schedules tightened.
For bus operators, it was a hard lesson in electrification. Running a large electric fleet is not just about replacing diesel with plugs. It means managing power, weather, and time all at once and not everyone was prepared for the fact that batteries drain much quicker, and take longer to charge, in sub-zero weather conditions.
The Challenges
The wind blew, the snow fell and the temperature stayed at double digit minus degrees. An independent review by NorConsult examined the impact of the 2023–2024 winter on the city’s electric bus operations, and the findings revealed just how complex the shift to electric transport can be:
- Energy consumption spiked in the cold, forcing buses to charge more often and putting pressure on depot schedules.
- Charging infrastructure struggled, with some equipment underperforming in freezing and windy conditions.
- Operational complexity increased, as different charger types and vehicle models made coordination difficult.
A System Built for Real Conditions
Tenix-ladning, designed by engineers in Norway who are no strangers to wind and snow, was designed for exactly this reality. It is a Charge Point Management System (CPMS) built to give operators clear control over their electric fleets, not just in fair weather and on clear roads, but in the unpredictable world of transport operations.
By combining smart charging, depot management, and battery monitoring in one platform, Tenix Charge helps operators plan and adapt in real time, even when there’s a blizzard blowing outside.
How Smart Charging Works
Tenix Charge brings intelligence to fleet charging. It plans charging sessions using route data, power limits, and energy prices and can help operators to reduce electricity costs by up to 27% without compromising readiness.
Depot teams get a live overview of charger availability, bus status, and total power use. If a charger fails or demand spikes, the system automatically redistributes load so that critical vehicles are charged first.
Battery health is continuously tracked to support predictive maintenance and extend lifespan. Instead of reacting to breakdowns, operators can prevent them.
Proven in Extreme Conditions
During the harsh winter of 2023–2024, one of Norway’s largest bus transport operators used Tenix Charge to maintain service reliability despite weeks of snow and sub-zero temperatures.
While many of Oslo’s bus operators faced undercharged vehicles in the morning, and the resulting penalties from the PTA after schedules were disrupted, delayed or cancelled, the buses using Tenix charged efficiently through the night, and schedules stayed on track with 95% accuracy. A testament to the performance of the system given the weather and power constraints.
Behind the scenes, Tenix Charge forecasted power demand hours in advance and adjusted charging priorities automatically. When grid limits tightened or chargers slowed, the system reshuffled charging queues to keep departures on schedule.
Predictability Over Precision
For the Norwegian operators using Tenix, the system eased pressure across the depot. Fewer overnight callouts. Fewer manual restarts. Drivers began their shifts knowing the buses were ready, even during consecutive storms. Energy use stayed steady, reducing costs during peak demand hours.
The NorConsult review confirmed what operators already understood. Predictability matters most when the weather and the timetable both turn unpredictable.
Looking Ahead
The shift to electric fleets is no about running a transport network that performs under pressure. Tenix Charge helps make that possible by turning charging into a controlled, transparent process that works in all conditions.
Because in the real world, reliability is the measure that counts. And that’s where smart charging earns its name.
