What Happened?
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is incorporating hybrid electric buses to its fleet that historically consisted of all-diesel vehicles. Playing a key role in the city’s transition to using more alternative fuel sources, the hybrid buses will help Jacksonville achieve 25 percent better fuel economy in the fleet and cut emissions by 90 percent.
So What?
Jacksonville has launched an environmentally sensitive initiative to reduce expenditures on fuel while investing in alternative energy sources. As part of the JTA Alternative Fuel Strategy, the seven new hybrid buses will be powered by clean diesel hybrid electrical propulsion systems that release fewer emissions into the atmosphere. The city was previously retrofitting its existing fleet with a hybrid electric thermal cooling system for a 10 percent reduction in fuel consumption, compared to a 25 percent improvement reported in the hybrid models.
In 2013, fuel costs for Jacksonville reached $9.14 million, accounting for 10.8 percent of its operating budget. If the city were to invest in new vehicles that run on alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, costs could be reduced by 30 percent. Many investments could be supplemented by tax credits and governmental grants.
Jacksonville’s consolidated energy plan includes five key goals that can be achieved with greater investment in alternative, cost-effective fuel sources:
- Improved service to residents
- More efficient public transit services
- Strengthen financial performance in the long term
- Increased transportation options for residents
- Enhanced safety and security throughout transit routes
15-Second Charge
Further pushing the limits on energy efficiency, a company in Zurich recently developed an electric bus that can be recharged in 15 seconds. Most electric buses are connected to overhead trolley cables to receive constant access to an electrical source. Others house large batteries on board to power a standard bus route.
The new Trolleybus Optimization System Alimentation (TOSA) calls for the bus’ battery to be recharged every third or fourth stop through a laser guidance system. A moveable arm transmits a 400-kilowatt shot of energy into the battery that is filled within 15 seconds. The batteries can be fully recharged while passengers are entering and exiting the bus, ensuring bus routes remain consistent and on-time. Geneva is able to support the model with zero carbon dioxide emissions as well, as the electricity source comes from hydropower.
Industry Forecast
According to ReportLinker, the hybrid and electric vehicle market for buses and taxes is set to increase due to popular demand. The forecast projects the global market for electric buses and taxes to increase eight-fold in the next 10 years to reach $60 billion after 2023. China is expected to be the largest market for the eco-friendly vehicles, while growth is anticipated worldwide on a smaller scale. Public leaders are investing in hybrid and electric vehicles as part of long-term energy efficiency initiatives while looking to make better use of taxpayer resources.
Alternative Transit
Gov1 has monitored other energy efficient transportation strategies such as bike sharing programs and outsourcing fleets to reduce costs.