A $7.46 million federal grant will enable the University of Georgia to acquire 13 electric buses for use on its Athens campus.
The university says the funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, along with the university’s 30% matching share, will grow the university’s fleet to 33 electric buses. The energy-efficient, cleaner vehicles will help reduce emissions and increase opportunities for experiential learning and research, the university says.
The school bought 20 electric buses earlier this year through a competitive grant from the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority; they are scheduled to begin arriving on campus later this month.
“The University of Georgia is continually seeking ways to increase the efficiency and sustainability of our campus operations,” says President Jere W. Morehead. “The purchase of additional electric buses with funds from the Federal Transit Administration will help us achieve these important institutional objectives.”
Earlier this year, the university built a charging facility to prepare for the electric bus fleet. Officials expect the buses will significantly lower transportation costs for the university.
The expected useful life of electric buses far exceeds the 12-year standard for diesel buses. Fuel costs will decrease by about 90%, and with no internal combustion engine or transmission, maintenance costs will be drastically reduced as well.
Having a large fleet of electric buses on campus also creates opportunities for faculty and students to use field assets in their research and studies. The university’s Auxiliary Services department has partnered with the College of Engineering to work with four student teams as they complete capstone projects related to electric bus technology.
“The positive benefits that come from receiving this grant are remarkable,” says Robert Holden, associate vice president for Auxiliary Services. “In addition to reducing costs and contributing to research, advancing electric bus technology on our campus will allow us to provide better, cleaner transportation for the community by significantly reducing the university’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
