Next-gen Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) handed over to Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island by GILLIG.

Next-gen Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) handed over to Kaua'i, Maui, and Hawai'i Island by GILLIG.

Hawaii recently unveiled a new generation of zero-emissions, battery-electric buses that will be distributed across all four counties in the state. A total of twelve battery-electric buses were introduced for this rollout.

Celebrating the Delivery

The delivery was celebrated at an event called Driving Hawai'i Forward at Honolulu Harbor's Pier 29. The event was hosted in partnership with the city and county of Honolulu, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, and Honolulu Harbor. GILLIG CEO Derek Maunus stated that working alongside Honolulu for over 40 years to support safe, reliable transit is meaningful.

The Busses in Action

The first electric bus from GILLIG was immediately put to the test and successfully traversed every corner of the island and tackled its most demanding routes. Four 35-foot GILLIG battery-electric buses from each of Hawai'i's four counties were displayed side by side at the event.

Funding the Initiative

Additional funding comes from the Hawai'i State Energy Office via Volkswagen Settlement funds. Funding for the multi-county procurement of GILLIG battery-electric buses includes money from the Federal Transit Administration's Low or No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities programs. The funding also includes contributions from the counties.

Specifications and Performance

While exact technical specifications such as battery capacity, driving range, or charging times have not been detailed in the available information, their classification as "new generation" typically suggests improvements in energy efficiency, range, and operational reliability over previous models.

Future Plans

The Hawaii Department of Transportation plans to distribute these buses across all counties, supporting statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from public transport. Additional actions include retrofitting state buildings to be EV charger-ready, indicating ongoing infrastructure development to support an expanding electric vehicle fleet. These steps are part of Hawaii's larger strategy to advance clean transportation and sustainability.

Looking Ahead

The city of Honolulu plans to add up to 78 of the next-generation GILLIG battery-electric buses in the coming years. The goal of Honolulu is to have a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. Hawai'i County Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed optimism about the future of transportation on the Big Island.

John Nouchi, Deputy Director of Transportation Services for the city and county of Honolulu, stated that the event signifies a quantum leap forward in Hawaii's commitment to green and sustainable transportation. Each new bus is equipped with 686kWh of onboard energy storage, and the new generation of GILLIG battery-electric buses offer over 35 percent more onboard energy storage.

The new battery-electric buses from GILLIG are built on a low-floor platform, making them accessible for all passengers. The deployment aligns with broader state efforts to promote electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure, as demonstrated by legislation aimed at preparing state facilities for electric vehicle charging. These steps are crucial in supporting Hawaii's commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.

• Technology advancements are evident in the new generation of zero-emissions, battery-electric buses from GILLIG, as each new bus is equipped with 686kWh of onboard energy storage, offering over 35 percent more onboard energy storage compared to previous models.
• The industry's focus on the environment is clear, with the transportation sector playing a key role in Hawaii's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Funding for this multi-county procurement comes from various sources such as the Hawai'i State Energy Office, the Federal Transit Administration, and the counties themselves.
• As the state moves towards a greener future, the financial sector is also expected to support such initiatives. For instance, the additional funding for this project comes from the Volkswagen Settlement, further emphasizing the significant role of environmental science in finance and industry decisions.

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