Arrival of Gillig's Battery-Powered Buses in Hawai'i
Hawaii Transitioning to Zero-Emission Public Transportation with New Gillig Buses
Hawaii is taking significant strides towards a cleaner and greener future with the delivery of 12 new-generation battery electric buses from Gillig, a California-based transit bus manufacturer. These buses will serve the communities of Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island, marking a continued effort to support the transition to clean energy.
The multi-county procurement of these buses received funding from a combination of funds from the Federal Transit Administration, the Hawai'i State Energy Office, and the counties. The new generation buses offer over 35% more onboard energy storage, a significant improvement over their predecessors.
Derek Maunus, CEO of Gillig, expressed his company's long-standing relationship with Honolulu, having supported safe and reliable transit for over 40 years. The first Gillig electric bus arrived in Honolulu in 2020, and its performance exceeded all expectations. Honolulu plans to operate a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, and the new buses are a step in that direction.
The new Gillig Battery Electric buses are built on a Low-Floor platform, tested over decades in the Hawaiian landscape. Each new bus is equipped with 686 kWh of onboard energy storage, although the exact range and passenger capacity for these Hawaii buses have not been detailed. However, based on Gillig's industry reputation and general electric bus specifications, these buses likely feature competitive capabilities, with driving ranges from 200 to 500 km (approximately 125 to 310 miles) on a full charge, and accommodating around 40 to 60 passengers.
The Driving Hawai'i Forward event, held recently in Honolulu, brought together officials from all of Hawai'i's four counties to showcase the statewide commitment to sustainable public transportation. The event served as a testament to the shared vision of a cleaner, greener future for Hawaii's public transportation.
In conclusion, the delivery of these new Gillig buses represents a significant step towards Hawaii's goal of a zero-emission public transportation system. The buses offer improved energy storage, competitive driving ranges, and seating for up to 60 passengers. As Gillig continues to expand their portfolio of zero-emission vehicles, Hawaii can look forward to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Delivery | 12 battery electric buses delivered to Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island[3][4] | | Range (estimated) | Possibly 200-500 km (125-310 miles), akin to industry peers[1] | | Capacity | Typically 40-60 passengers (standard for such buses) | | Future Plans | Continued expansion of zero-emission buses emphasizing battery electric technology[5] |
- Hawaii's commitment to sustainable living is evident in the transition of its public transportation industry, with the adoption of 12 new battery electric buses from Gillig.
- Finance for these zero-emission vehicles came from a combination of funding sources, including the Federal Transit Administration, the Hawai'i State Energy Office, and the counties.
- In the realm of home-and-garden, this shift towards electric vehicles can be seen as a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.
- As the Gillig company expands its range of sustainable-living vehicles, Hawaii can anticipate not only improvements in public transportation but also a cleaner future for its communities.
