The electric vehicle revolution is no longer confined to personal automobiles. Public transportation systems across the US are experiencing a surge in electrification efforts, fueled by both environmental concerns and the availability of billions of dollars in federal funding allocated through the infrastructure bill.
This funding aims to empower states and cities to expand their public transportation offerings while simultaneously transitioning towards cleaner and quieter electric alternatives. Let's delve deeper into the specific types of public transportation vehicles poised for electrification in the coming years:
Ferries Charting a New Course:
Washington State Ferries, a national leader in ferry transportation, is spearheading the charge towards electric and hybrid propulsion. Their ambitious plan involves converting three of their largest ferries by 2030.
These iconic green-and-white vessels will undergo a significant transformation, with diesel engines partially replaced by battery packs, enabling them to operate in hybrid mode. This groundbreaking project is projected to achieve a remarkable 95% reduction in diesel fuel consumption compared to the current models.
The agency also estimates lifecycle cost savings of $60 million due to the lower operating costs associated with electricity and streamlined electric propulsion systems. Furthermore, to support this initiative, sixteen ferry terminals are slated for charging infrastructure installation, paving the way for a future where electric ferries become the norm.
Looking beyond Washington State, even smaller ferry systems, like the one serving Governors Island in New York Harbor, are embracing electrification with the introduction of a hybrid vessel this summer. This quieter and cleaner option showcases the potential for electric ferries to revolutionize commutes across waterways, benefitting not only passengers but also the surrounding environment.
Electric Buses Take the Wheel:
Electric buses are no longer a futuristic concept, they are rapidly becoming a familiar sight on city streets across the US. According to data from the Federal Transit Administration, the number of electric buses on the road surged by 21% in 2022 alone, bringing the total to 1,873 operating in 43 states.
The Missoula Urban Transportation District in Montana serves as a prime example of a successful electric bus implementation. Since acquiring their first six electric buses in 2019, they have expanded their fleet to twelve and now these electric buses account for over a quarter of the total mileage covered on their routes. The district has also set an ambitious goal of achieving a zero-tailpipe-emission fleet by 2035, highlighting the growing commitment to clean public transportation solutions.
While the upfront cost of electric buses might be higher than diesel models, the long-term savings are undeniable. Missoula's experience demonstrates that electric buses are not just environmentally friendly, but also economically advantageous due to lower operating costs per mile compared to their diesel counterparts.
However, transitioning to a fully electric fleet requires more than just purchasing new vehicles. Infrastructure upgrades, such as building enough charging stations, and workforce development initiatives to train mechanics in maintaining electric vehicles, are equally crucial steps. Despite these initial challenges, Missoula and other pioneering cities are demonstrating that the long-term benefits outweigh the hurdles, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for public transportation.
Trains Power Up for the Future:
Electric trains are not a new concept, with Amtrak's Northeast Corridor serving as a prominent example of a well-established electrified passenger railroad line.
However, the electrification movement is gaining significant momentum across the nation.
Caltrain, a commuter rail system operating between San Francisco and San Jose, is actively testing a fleet of 23 electric trains that rely on overhead wires for power.
Furthermore, they are pushing the boundaries by exploring battery-equipped electric trains that would eliminate the need for overhead wires on certain routes, further expanding the reach of electric rail transportation. California's high-speed rail project exemplifies the ambitious vision for the future of electric trains.
This project aims to connect major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles with electric trains capable of reaching speeds exceeding 240 miles per hour. While the operational speed will likely be capped around 220 mph, the project signifies a significant commitment to cleaner and faster transportation options.
Additionally, private companies like Brightline are entering the picture, planning the construction of a high-speed electric train line connecting Las Vegas to Southern California. This surge in private sector involvement, coupled with ongoing public projects, suggests that electric trains are poised to become a dominant force in long-distance travel.
Electric Planes: Taking Flight in the Short Haul:
Electric airplanes are still in their nascent stages, but they hold the potential to revolutionize short-distance air travel. These innovative aircraft envision a future where short flights take off and land from airfields closer to urban centers, potentially replacing noisy helicopters in some cases.
One example is the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, which is seeking Federal Aviation Administration certification and working on building charging infrastructure needed for electric aircraft by 2025.
The new wave of electric plane designs often departs from conventional reliance on internal combustion engines. This opens doors for novel aircraft configurations that were previously impractical. Scott Cary, a project manager specializing in ports and airports at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, highlights this point, emphasizing that "It allows options for aircraft design that may not have existed before”.
One such design gaining traction is "blown lift," a technology developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the 1950s.
Unlike traditional airplanes that require long runways to achieve high speeds for takeoff and landing, blown-lift aircraft utilize rows of propellers to channel air over the wings, enabling them to take off and land over shorter distances.
While this design is inefficient for fuel-powered engines, it perfectly complements electric propulsion, according to John Langford, CEO of Electra, a company that manufactures hybrid-electric airplanes that utilize a blown-lift system for short takeoffs and landings.
Electra, a Virginia-based company, began testing its nine-seat planes in November, targeting trips between 50 and 500 miles. These planes can achieve takeoffs and landings using a mere tenth of the runway distance required by traditional airplanes.
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