STOCKTON, CA--(Marketwired - May 20, 2013) - The first zero emission battery electric transit buses in Northern California were put into service today by the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD). The buses will operate on a rapid charging system and will have all of the functionality of a conventional transit bus.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) provided $2.56 million from its "AB 118" program that enabled the RTD to purchase the two zero emission buses made by Proterra in the United States.
"The San Joaquin RTD deserves to be congratulated as the first transit property in all of Northern California to put battery electric buses into revenue service. This is a major milestone, and a big first step in the effort to improve air quality in the San Joaquin Valley," said CALSTART President and CEO John Boesel.
By recharging for 10 minutes every two hours, the buses will be able to operate throughout the entire daily operation cycle. The bus charging station is fully automated. When the Proterra bus approaches the charge station, the station recognizes the bus, guides the bus into position, and charges the vehicle without driver interaction.
"This project would not have happened without the CEC funding. This is a good example of how public funding can help serve as a catalyst for a new technology and cleaner air," Boesel said.
About CALSTART
CALSTART is a non-profit organization focused on the growth of the clean transportation technology industry as a strategy to improve air quality, protect the environment, and create high quality jobs. CALSTART has more than 150 member companies. For more information, visit www.calstart.org.
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Mary Kathryn Campbell
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