State of Montana Slated to Receive Nearly $43 Million in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding

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DEQ and MDT to Host Webinar on April 4

 

HELENA—National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding is coming to Montana. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law late last year, includes $7.5 billion to support a national electric vehicle charging network. Of that total, $5 billion will go to states under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI). Montana will receive nearly $43 million through the formula program to fund direct-current fast charging (DCFC) infrastructure along interstate and U.S. highway corridors over the next five years.

The funding will be administered by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) in collaboration with the Energy Office at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This partnership will work together to leverage MDT’s expertise in transportation funding and planning with DEQ’s experience in planning and deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure.

“The Montana Energy Office at DEQ has developed expertise in electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the 2017 settlement with Volkswagen,” said DEQ Director Chris Dorrington. “Efficient distribution of these new federal funds will support on-going private investment in this growing area of need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Montana.”

The federal funding can cover up to 80 percent of the costs associated with the electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the remainder will come from private investment—meaning state funds will not need to be used to match. DEQ’s Fast Charge Your Ride Program awarded funding in 2021 using the same cost share model to partner with private entities.

“This is a great opportunity for Montana to combine federal funding with private investment to create 21st century transportation infrastructure,” said MDT Director Mack Long. “Government works best when it works together with the private sector. This program will be a great opportunity to display effective public-private partnerships that serve the traveling public in Montana.”

The funding will initially be limited to highway corridors that have been designated as Alternative Fuel Corridors by the Federal Highway Administration. In Montana that includes Interstate 15, Interstate 90 and Interstate 94, along with U.S. Highway 2 and Highway 93 will be the focus.

Montana must develop and submit an “Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan” by Aug. 1. DEQ will lead the development of the plan in coordination with MDT. A virtual information session is planned for April 4 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone interested in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, sharing information or commenting on the development of the plan is encouraged to attend the webinar.

For more information, visit the following links:

WYDOT Announces Strategy for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding

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22 March 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WYDOT announces strategy for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming will soon receive National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula funds to use to facilitate electric vehicle infrastructure development, especially charging stations, around the state.

The funding is part of the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), signed by President Biden in November 2021. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is allocated $3.9 million this year and expects $5 million each year for the next four years for a total of $23.96 million for EV infrastructure over five years.

In preparation to execute NEVI funding and other program incentives, the state has developed a Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy and will circulate the strategy over the next month to allow the public and interested parties to provide comments and feedback.

“These stations will not only be powered by Wyoming energy, but will help facilitate tourism around the state,” said Director Luke Reiner. “We want drivers who choose EVs to have safe and reliable ways to charge their vehicles as they drive in our state. This has been an inter-agency effort to maximize available resources for our residents and visitors.”

Wyoming’s interstates have been designated as “Alternative Fuel Corridors” and under the NEVI program must have infrastructure installed first. Corridor infrastructure must adhere to guidelines set by the NEVI Program Joint Office for charger efficiency, location, and accessibility. Once the interstate corridors are complete, remaining funding can be spent along other key routes to popular destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Devil’s Tower National Monument.

No state funds will be used to build, maintain or operate EV charging infrastructure through the NEVI program. Instead, the company who bids on the corridor will pay the required match amount to the Federal funds.

In addition to the NEVI funding, the BIL outlined $2.5 billion in discretionary grants available to eligible applicants, including state and local governments, special purpose districts, tribes and other groups or entities. The state also has VW settlement funds that will be used to provide additional funding for EV infrastructure development in areas not along the alternative fuel corridors.

WYDOT and other state officials have scheduled public meetings around the state in early April to gather public input as well as feedback from potential bidders and other interested parties. Each meeting is expected to have a virtual component so viewers can attend any meeting and see the proposed plan and make comments.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Cheyenne
    • Date and time: April 4, 1-3 p.m.
    • Location: WYDOT Auditorium, 5300 Bishop Blvd.
  • Casper
    • Date and time: April 5, 9-11 a.m.
    • Location: WY Oil and Gas Commission Hearing Room, 2211 King Blvd.
  • Cody
    • Date and time: April 5, 5-7 p.m.
    • Location: Park County Public Library Grizzly Hall, 1500 Heart Mountain St.
  • Riverton
    • Date and time: April 6, 1-3 p.m.
    • Location: Riverton City Council Chambers, 816 N. Federal Blvd.
  • Jackson
    • Date and time: April 7, 9-11 a.m.
    • Location: Ordway Auditorium, Teton County Library, 125 Virginian Lane
  • Rock Springs
    • Date and time: April 7, 5-7 p.m.
    • Location: WYDOT District Office, 3200 Elk St.
  • Rawlins
    • Date and time: April 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Location: Rawlins Family Recreation Center, 1616 Harshman St.
  • Gillette
    • Date and time: April 11, 2-4 p.m.
    • Location: Campbell County Library, 2101 S 4-J Rd.
  • Sheridan
    • Date and time: April 12, 10 a.m. – noon
    • Location: Sheridan County Fulmer Library, 335 W Alger St.

Those interested in making a public comment can also email dot-publicaffairs@wyo.gov. For more information, visit our website: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/planning_projects/zero-emission-vehicles/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-(nevi)-program.html

President Biden, USDOT and USDOE Announce $5 Billion over Five Years for National EV Charging Network, Made Possible by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

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Thursday, February 10, 2022

Joint Energy and Transportation Office and DriveElectric.gov Available to Assist States with Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans

FHWA 05-22
Contact: FHWA.PressOffice@dot.gov
Tel: (202) 366-0660

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy today announced nearly $5 billion that will be made available under the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to build out a national electric vehicle charging network, an important step towards making electric vehicle (EV) charging accessible to all Americans.

The program will provide nearly $5 billion over five years to help states create a network of EV charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, particularly along the Interstate Highway System. The total amount available to states in Fiscal Year 2022 under the NEVI Formula Program is $615 million. States must submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan before they can access these funds. A second, competitive grant program designed to further increase EV charging access in locations throughout the country, including in rural and underserved communities, will be announced later this year.

“A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labor, and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”

“We are modernizing America’s national highway system for drivers in cities large and small, towns and rural communities, to take advantage of the benefits of driving electric,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping states to make electric vehicle charging more accessible by building the necessary infrastructure for drivers across America to save money and go the distance, from coast-to-coast.”

Today’s news follows President Biden’s announcement earlier this week on EV manufacturing, and the White House Fact Sheet on actions taken to date to prepare for this historic EV investment.

To access these new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds – and to help ensure a convenient, reliable, affordable, and equitable charging experience for all users – each state is required to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan to the new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation that describes how the state intends to use its share of NEVI Formula Program funds consistent with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance.

These plans are expected to build on Alternative Fuel Corridors that nearly every state has designated over the past six years of this program. These corridors will be the spine of the new national EV charging network. The Joint Office will play a key role in the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program by providing direct technical assistance and support to help states develop their plans before they are reviewed and approved by the Federal Highway Administration, which administers the funding.

“Americans need to know that they can purchase an electric vehicle and find convenient charging stations when they are using Interstates and other major highways,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said. “The new EV formula program will provide states with the resources they need to provide their residents with reliable access to an EV charging station as they travel.”

The new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation also launched a new website this week at DriveElectric.gov. There, officials can find links to technical assistance, data and tools for states, and careers. To join the Joint Office and support a future where everyone can ride and drive electric, individuals are encouraged to apply to be an EV charging fellow.

As part of today’s announcement, FHWA released the NEVI Formula Program funding to states that will be available following approval of state plans for Fiscal Year 2022 in addition to the Program Guidance and a Request for Nominations for states to expand their existing Alternative Fuel Corridors. Here is state-by-state NEVI funding for Fiscal Years 2022-2026.

Biden Administration Releases Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook for State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Governments

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January 31st

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the White House released the first edition of its Bipartisan Infrastructure Law guidebook to help state, local, Tribal and territorial governments unlock the benefits from the historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure. The guidebook is a one-stop-shop on the law and contains the most comprehensive information to date on the more than 375 programs included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“This resource is a critical part of our extensive outreach to state, local, tribal and territorial governments to ensure the people of America can benefit from this once-in-a-generation investment,” said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor & Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator. “Building a better America is a shared endeavor no one can do alone, and investing infrastructure dollars will require significant coordination between the federal government, cities, states, Tribal governments, community members, and other key partners. Our primary goal is to empower people across the country with information, so they know what to apply for, who to contact, and how to get ready to rebuild.”

The guidebook is a roadmap to the funding available under the law, as well as an explanatory document that shows direct federal spending at the program level. To this end, the White House has also published an accompanying data file that allows users to quickly sort programs funded under the law by fields like agency, amount, recipient, or program name. The guidebook contains 12 chapters grouping Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs by issue area. Each chapter contains a cover note explaining how to get ready to receive this funding, and these memoranda also identify additional resources our partners can and should utilize to prepare, while the federal government gets ready to distribute Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds from new and existing programs.

Since President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law more than two months ago, the Biden-Harris Administration has hit the ground running to deliver results. The Administration has made key progress towards implementing the largest long-term investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. More than $80 billion has been allocated to states from formula and competitive programs for roads and highways, bridges, ports, airports, and water systems. Additional programs are being rolled out to deploy high speed internet, electric vehicle chargers, energy grid upgrades and clean energy demonstration projects.

Earlier this month, the White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator sent a letter to Governors recommending a series of preparatory actions, including appointing infrastructure coordinators to manage the flow of funds to their states. Yesterday, he addressed the National Governors Association winter meeting.  Landrieu also outlined steps cities can take to prepare at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and he has begun deeper intergovernmental engagements with Tribal leaders, county officials, and territorial leaders through outreach calls, listening sessions, and Tribal consultations.

The White House also recognizes state, local, Tribal and territorial capacity may be strained due to the pandemic, historic underinvestment, or just the challenges of day-to-day governance. A community’s lack of capacity to apply for federal funds can create significant inequities – and for many communities, this will be their first time applying for funds from a suite of federal agencies. While many funding streams in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically set aside funds for disadvantaged communities, the White House Infrastructure Implementation Team will be engaging states, local governments, Tribal governments, territories, federal agencies, philanthropies, and others to leverage all available resources to quickly deliver the necessary technical assistance and capacity to underserved communities. We intend to use this guidebook is a critical tool to accelerate and amplify the impact of this work.

Future phases of the guidebook will update dates, key timelines for program implementation, best practices, case studies, and links to key resources developed by the White House and key partners.

The historic $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will rebuild crumbling road and bridges, replace lead pipes, help provide high-speed internet to every family in America, and produce concrete results that change people’s lives for the better. These results will create good-paying, union jobs, support domestic manufacturing and supply chains, and position the United States to win the 21st century. As the Administration implements the law, it is following through on President Biden’s commitment to ensure investments advance equity and racial justice, reach communities all across the country – including rural communities, communities of color, and disability communities – and strengthen the nation’s resilience to climate change.

Wyoming Department of Transportation Charging Station Request for Information (RFI)

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The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is seeking input from interested stakeholder to inform the development of the state’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Strategic Plan or “strategy”. They are seeking input from federal, local and tribal agencies, utilities, multi-family dwelling owners, retail business owners, DC Fast Charging station manufacturers and installation companies, academia, vehicle dealers, hydrogen development companies, airports, and any other interested stakeholders that may inform the development and executive of the strategy.

With the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, more than $7 billion is dedicated for electric vehicles and infrastructure and more than $10 billion dedicated to batteries, the grid and more. There will be a significant amount of funding flowing to each state as early as this spring.  Now is the time to respond to this RFI and help inform the state of Wyoming on their electric vehicle strategy.

You can respond to this RFI in two ways. You can view the RFI below 

 and provide your written comments to YTCC and we’ll aggregate all the stakeholder responses we receive. In addition, we you can respond to the RFI directly yourself. The directions to do so are below:

RFI No. 22-011CS-Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Strategic Plan- Interest Letter

Bid forms, Specifications and further information may be obtained without charge, by registering with Public Purchase at http://www.publicpurchase.com.  The Registration process may take up to 24 hours, so signing up right away is recommended.

If you have already registered with Public Purchase follow these steps:

  1.  Select Home on your top tool bar.  2. In the upper right hand corner click the Region drop down menu and select Wyoming. 3. Click the Select Agency drop down menu and select Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).

This will take you to the main Bid board where you can view the above mentioned bid(s), you will need to register with WYDOT once there and then click Wyoming and Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) from the drop down menu in the upper right of the screen.

Responses to the portal are due by December 1st. Responses to YTCC are due by November 24th so we can incorporate them into our collective response.

Press Release: Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Announces Green Fleet Leader Awards

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Read more

New Funding Announcement: Montana Department of Environmental Quality

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The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is celebrating National Drive Electric Week with new funding opportunities to help curb nitrogen oxide ​(NOx) emissions with clean transportation. The grants are available for public and private entities and match funds to help make clean transportation affordable.

Apply TodayThe first funding opportunity, the Clean Truck, Bus & Airport Equipment Program, matches funds to replace older diesel trucks, buses or airport ground support vehicles with battery electric, alternate fuel or diesel vehicles. Examples of types of vehicles for this funding opportunity can include garbage trucks​, street sweepers, bucket trucks, buses​, or vehicles that service aircrafts between flights. Applications for this opportunity are due January 14​, 2022.

Clean School BusThe second funding opportunity is the Clean School Bus Program that applies to school districts statewide and matches funds to replace older diesel school buses with newer diesel, gasoline, propane, low ​NOx certified or battery electric buses. This opportunity has funded 23 diesel buses and 8 propane buses at school districts across the state since January of 2020. Applications for this opportunity are due November 15, 2021 with project completion by August of 2022.

The grants are funded through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement and EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, respectively.

The grant announcements celebrate National Drive Electric Week that raises awareness of the benefits of driving ​all-electric or ​plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

DEQ is hosting a webinar on October 6 at 2 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the funding opportunities​, to register visit: Webinar Registration – Zoom.

For more information and to view the ​request for applications visit: Deq.mt.gov/energy/programs/fuels.

Grand Teton National Park deploys CNG refuse truck

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GTNP Receives a Compressed Natural Gas Refuse Truck

Join Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the new CNG refuse truck

Jackson, WY | June 28, 2021 — Join Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Works for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse truck that Grand Teton National Park has received through the state of Wyoming Volkswagen Settlement funds program.

  • Event: The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on June 30th from 3-5 pm at Lower Valley Energy at the local CNG charging station. Ribbon cutting celebration from 3-3:30 pm; networking from 3:30pm-4:00pm and CNG workshop from 4:00pm-5:00pm. The workshop will provide information for individuals and businesses interested in purchasing and operating CNG vehicles.

“We would like to congratulate Grand Teton National Park on the introduction of a CNG refuse truck into their fleet, which will provide cost savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions for park operations. We would also like to thank the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for providing the funding for alternative fuel vehicles in Wyoming through the Wyoming Volkswagen Settlement funds program,” Alicia Cox, Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Executive Director.

Grand Teton National Park’s purchase of a CNG refuse truck is the perfect example of selecting an alternative fuel based on a vehicle’s application, as the CNG station at Lower Valley Energy is directly along the refuse truck’s route to the landfill, it is seamless to refuel Grand Teton National Park’s new CNG refuse truck.  Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s program helps fund the replacement of class 4 and above diesel vehicles with newer alternative fuel or diesel vehicles.

“We’re excited that another fleet can benefit from the cost savings and emissions reductions from fueling with CNG at the Jackson Station”, said Phil Cameron, Executive Director of Energy Conservation Works.

CNG is available locally at Lower Valley Energy, 4000 S HWY 89 in Jackson. It is currently available for $1.80 per gasoline gallon equivalent, offering significant savings to vehicle owners. The Wyoming Business Council, Town of Jackson, and Teton County partnered with Lower Valley Energy to locate and construct the station there.

Clean Cities advances the nation’s environmental, economic, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum use in transportation. Clean Cities is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program.

Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities works to displace the use of petroleum and increase energy security and sustainability through the promotion of alternative fuels and vehicles in the Greater Yellowstone region.

Learn more about Clean Cities at cleancities.energy.gov, and learn how to get involved with the Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities coalition at www.ytcleancities.org.

Bill adding excessive fees for electric vehicles headed to governor’s desk

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For Immediate Release: May 5, 2021

Bill adding excessive fees for electric vehicles headed to governor’s desk

HB 188 will raise registration fees for electric vehicles in Montana to some of the highest in the nation

Contact:

Helena, MT — A bill that will create some of the highest fees in the nation for electric vehicle registration was approved by the legislature on April 28 and is headed to the governor to sign into law.

If signed, HB 188 by Rep. Denley Loge (R-Saint Regis) will add additional fees on top of normal vehicle registration fees for electric vehicles. While most states charge a flat fee for electric vehicle registration, Montana would become one of two states to create a special fee for electric SUV and light truck owners.

Owners who register an electric SUV or light truck would have to pay normal registration fees, plus an additional $375 each year. For example, a gas-powered SUV in Montana that is 4 years old or newer would cost $217 to register. Someone who owns an electric SUV up to 4 years old would have to pay $592 each year under this new law.

These would be the highest registration fees for electric SUVs and light trucks in the nation.

“Many manufacturers are bringing to market new trucks and SUVs, offering a clean transportation option in these vehicles that are so popular with Montana drivers. Montana should support EV adoption in this segment, and not discourage it with excessive taxes,” said Joel Levin, Executive Director of Plug In America.

Owners of smaller electric vehicles would have to pay an extra $195 on top of annual registration fees, making these fees the third-highest in the nation.

If signed into law, these registration fees could discourage the growth of the electric vehicle industry in Montana, despite the vehicle manufacturing industry’s 2021 commitment to electric vehicle production.

“While we understand the desire of legislators to establish long-term sources of transportation funding, this bill is not an appropriate path forward,” said Philip B. Jones, Executive Director of the Alliance for Transportation Electrification. “Any rational analysis of state transportation funding needs will demonstrate that future shortfalls are primarily due to the lack of indexing the state motor fuels tax, and the increasing efficiency of conventional internal combustion vehicles. Putting a tax on electric vehicles at this early stage of market development is punitive and misguided. As a businessman, the Governor will likely understand the need of early-stage businesses to receive good policy support from government, rather than excessive measures like this that are meant to punish innovation and American ingenuity in vehicle and battery development.”

In January, General Motors (GM) became the first U.S.-based automaker to pledge a cessation on gasoline-powered cars, vans, and SUVs by 2035. Ford has also made promises to invest in electric and autonomous vehicles, introducing their more affordable Mustang Mach-E to dealerships in March. Similarly, Volkswagen announced recently that it aims for more than 70% of their European sales to be EVs by 2030, with a goal of 50% each in the U.S. and China.

Montana has been slower to adopt electric vehicles compared to some other states, despite the availability of state and federal tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle and developing infrastructure to support their use.

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About Plug In America: Plug In America is the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. PlugInAmerica.org

About the Alliance for Transportation Electrification: The Alliance for Transportation Electrification (ATE), a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation, is led by utilities, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure firms and service providers, automobile manufacturers, and EV charging industry stakeholders and affiliated trade associations. The organization includes about 50 national dues-paying members and affiliated organizations. They are actively involved in over twenty regulatory and other state and Provincial proceedings in North America today. evtransportationalliance.org

START BUS UNVEILS 8 ELECTRIC PROTERRA BUSES TO SERVE THE TETON VILLAGE ROUTE

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JACKSON, WYO. – START Bus and Proterra, a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, unveiled the community’s first of eight Proterra® ZX5 battery-electric transit buses. They are the first battery-electric buses in Wyoming and first Proterra ZX5 buses to be deployed in the United States.

START Bus will put the buses into service in late November. START hosted Proterra representatives for a small ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 12. Due to COVID-19, it was not a public event. For the public to join in the fun, next Thursday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities will host a webinar with Proterra representatives sharing specifics about the e-bus deployment in Teton County and the premiere of a video about the project. Look for Zoom details through Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities.

Darren Brugmann START Director notes, “START Bus and the Town of Jackson are thrilled to add battery-electric buses to our fleet. These buses will provide cost effective, clean, efficient transportation, and help START reduce emissions to improve air quality. START is committed to transitioning 40% of its fleet to electric by 2022 and deploying these first eight buses is a major step toward that goal.”

START selected the 40-foot Proterra ZX5 MAX battery-electric transit bus with 660 kWh of onboard energy and the DuoPower™ drivetrain.

Just available in September, the Proterra ZX5 MAX can deliver up to 329 miles of drive range, which represents the most energy storage and longest drive range of any 40-foot electric bus available in the market today.

The DuoPower drivetrain delivers nearly twice the horsepower and five times better fuel efficiency than a standard diesel engine. It features two electric motors that deliver an impressive 550 horsepower, accelerating a ZX5 bus from 0 to 20 mph in under six seconds.

In addition, the DuoPower can propel a bus up a 25% grade, making it an ideal option for routes with steep hills. By combining this drivetrain with Proterra’s industry-leading battery technology and lightweight composite bus body, this vehicle provides superior performance and is designed to tackle Jackson’s routes and winter climate.

START utilized Proterra’s battery lease program to help lower the upfront price of their buses and ensure funding to deploy eight at once, representing one-third of START’s total fleet.

“Proterra is excited to partner with START to bring the first battery-electric transit buses to Wyoming and deliver clean, quiet transportation to local riders,” said John Walsh, Proterra’s Senior Vice President.

Manufactured in the United States, Proterra battery-electric buses feature zero tailpipe emissions, saving approximately 230,000 pounds of greenhouse gases annually when replacing diesel buses. The purpose-built electric buses further offer a quieter ride for reduced noise pollution, greater efficiency, and lower operating costs than combustion engine vehicles.

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About START
START Bus is a public transit system serving Jackson and Teton County, Wyoming, and nearby areas including Teton Village, Star Valley and Teton Valley, Idaho. It is owned and operated by the Town of Jackson.

About Proterra
Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission, heavy-duty electric vehicles, enabling bus fleet operators to significantly reduce operating costs while delivering clean, quiet transportation to local communities across North America. The company’s configurable ZX5 platform is designed to serve the daily mileage needs of a wide range of transit routes on a single charge. With industry-leading durability and energy efficiency based on rigorous U.S. independent testing, Proterra products are proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in America. For more information, visit: www.proterra.com.

Source: Town of Jackson, WY