Delaware Transit Corporation has been awarded $2 million for a half a dozen electric buses that would operate in Dover.
With a boost from Delaware’s Congressional delegation, the project grant was selected on a competitive basis. The Delaware system runs under the DART name.
“This grant funding will do a lot of good to keep Delaware driving toward a clean-energy future. Dirty old engines emit deadly toxins into our air, and we know that chronic exposure to those emissions can pose serious harm to our public health,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “Expanding the First State’s fleet of battery-electric buses is a win-win for our environment and for the Delawareans who rely on public transportation to reach their destination.”
These zero-emission buses will be placed into DART’s public transit service in Dover, and Kent County in early 2018, replacing diesel buses and reducing emissions. DTC’s long-term plan includes expanding the operation of electric buses to the Rehoboth area, following the completion of the Lewes Transit Center, and to Wilmington.
Diesel bus odors have long been the target of criticism at the Rodney Square hub of DART in Wilmington.
Battery-electric buses are much quieter than diesel buses. They average 17.5 MPG equivalent vs. diesel at 4.0 MPG and the lifetime (12-year) fuel costs are $81,000 compared to $378,000 for diesel. Cost savings will also be realized with the elimination of engine and exhaust-related maintenance.
Proterra will serve as the electric bus manufacturer for DTC. Proterra is a US designer and manufacturer of zero-emission battery electric buses. Proterra will hold an Electric Bus Demonstration on Thursday, August 11 in Dover and Friday, August 12 in Rehoboth.
In addition to the bus purchase, the grant will also be used for the infrastructure required to operate the buses and the associated maintenance training needs. Proterra has charging system that allows buses to operate for extended hours.
The University of Delaware has a long-running effort to determine if vehicles, such as buses, could be used to store and distribute electricity when not in use. UD also has a fuel cell-powered bus.
