GoDurham debuted two battery electric buses April 22, which were purchased thanks to a federal grant and matching funds provided by Durham, N.C., taxpayers.
“In our rapidly growing region, these first two electric buses represent GoDurham and the City of Durham’s commitment to a sustainable and greener community,” said U.S. Rep. David Price (D-NC-4), who chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. “These state-of-the-art vehicles not only eliminate tailpipe emissions and cut air pollution, but they also help to reduce long-term maintenance costs. In short, it is a win-win investment.”
The Federal Transit Administration’s Low-No Program pays for at least 80 percent of the cost of the buses and charging stations.
“We want to thank the federal government and the Durham community for helping us bring the first electric buses to Durham,” Durham Mayor Schewel said. “Our great city and county are committed to fostering a greener and healthier community and adding these first new electric buses that produce no emissions to our GoDurham fleet is an exciting moment for all of us.”
Electric buses cost approximately $450,000 more than a diesel bus when charging and other needed equipment are included, but much of the upfront cost is expected to be recovered over the lifespan of an electric bus from fuel and maintenance savings.
“Investment in clean, quiet, zero-emissions technology aligns with the City of Durham’s strategic goal of having a sustainable natural and built environment,” said Sean Egan, director of the Durham Transportation Department. “This also reflects the input we have received from community engagement to reduce our carbon footprint, improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, particularly for historically disadvantaged communities served by GoDurham.”
The two electric buses join a fleet of 57 GoDurham buses, which carried an average of 20,000 passengers a day on 20 routes before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The electric buses are expected to have a driving range of 150 miles per charge, based on a conservative 2.3 kWh a mile off a six-pack battery with a total of 444 kWh of energy storage.
