Gov. McKee Unveils RI's First Electric Bus Fleet

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee joined the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) Tuesday to unveil the Ocean State's first electric bus fleet.

RIPTA received the first of 14 New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot battery-electric buses, with the remainder of the authority’s order to be delivered in the upcoming months. The fleet will replace the current fleet of diesel buses that operate on the R-Line, RIPTA's most frequent and highest-ridership route, connecting Providence and Pawtucket.

"As a leader in clean, renewable energy, Rhode Island has the momentum to create a more sustainable future and our Administration is committed to advancing that goal," McKee said. "Ensuring clean air, zero-emission sustainable energy, and easier access to public transportation is a priority. I thank our partners at RIPTA for their commitment to the environment and to the thousands of riders who rely on their services each and every day."

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a 40-foot electric bus can save up to 135 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) annually, which is what a traditional 40-foot clean diesel bus would emit per year.

The charging station will be located on Broad Street on the Providence-Cranston line, along the R-Line. The station, featuring four overhead pantograph chargers, allows for frequent recharging en route without human interaction. To charge, the bus pulls into the charging station and the overhead pantograph lowers from the station to the bus bars installed on the roof of the bus to charge. After charging for an estimated 5 to 9 minutes, the vehicle can return to service.

Each bus cost about $1.1 million. Fleet funding was provided by the Federal Transit Administration, Volkswagen settlement funds, and RIPTA capital funds.