Electric buses have been spotted around North America and soon there will be a few more coming to the United States.
New Flyer of America, a globally-leading bus manufacturer, announced on Tuesday that Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) of Knoxville, Tennessee has offered the company a contract for 12 zero-emission transit buses, according to a press release.
The five-year deal also includes purchase options of up to another 13 buses, which can be either thirty-five or forty feet long.
KAT completes a total of 3 million passenger trips per year, signaling a major need to move to electric buses. It purchased its first battery-electric bus from New Flyer in December 2019, and was working towards sustainable transportation even before that, having over 30% hybrids within its current fleet.
Knoxville trying for electric buses in city's attempt to be greener https://t.co/AINFenOFui via @knoxnews @DawnDistler @MayorRogero @kat_bus #AllElectric #KATGoesThere 🚌 pic.twitter.com/wIIvnT8xAi
— Proterra Inc. (@Proterra_Inc) December 14, 2017
Chris Stoddart, New Flyer President, said, “This contract includes charging infrastructure encompassing six depot chargers, one portable trailer-mounted charger, and design-build support from New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions, including installation services, software and software services, training, warranties, and commissioning.”
Stoddart continued, “Working with KAT on a comprehensive mobility solution including both buses and infrastructure will ensure an optimized approach to the design and deployment of zero-emission mobility.”
While New Flyer has been around for several decades, it’s presence will likely increase around the US with the move to zero-emission vehicles. And with the amount buses drive everyday, the difference in environmental impact will be huge.
Zach is a writer, musician, and EV enthusiast, currently residing in Santa Rosa, Ca. Loves his wife, his cat Banks, and a good cup of coffee.