IDEAS: Amtrak Introduces First Electric Vehicle Into National Network
Key Points
- Amtrak's first electric vehicle will operate on the Amtrak Cascades route, saving 10,000 gallons of diesel annually.
- The electric bus will reduce CO2 emissions by 109 tons each year and is part of Amtrak's net zero by 2045 plan.
- A sustainable charging hub for the bus was built on land formerly used for fuel storage, emphasizing environmental considerations.
Summary
Amtrak, in partnership with the Washington Department of Transportation, is introducing its first electric vehicle on the Amtrak Cascades route. The electric bus, which can complete a 200-mile round trip on a single charge, is expected to save 10,000 gallons of diesel annually and cut CO2 emissions by 109 tons each year. This initiative supports Amtrak's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045, with plans to explore additional routes for electric vehicle integration.
Amtrak and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are set to introduce their first electric vehicle into the Amtrak Cascades route.
The new electric bus will be able to complete the almost 200-mile round-trip on a single charge, with the new EV set to save ‘approximately 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year, cutting CO2 emissions by 109 tons annually’, according to a release from Amtrak.
The charging hub for the electric vehicle has also been built with sustainability in mind, having been installed on land that was once occupied by large fuel tanks.
“At Amtrak, we strive to give our passengers reliable, comfortable, and sustainable travel options. By incorporating environmental considerations into our current operations and as we work with our partners to reach more of America, we continue to make Amtrak an even ‘greener’ mode of transportation,” said Kara Oldhouser, sustainability director at Amtrak.
The introduction of the electric bus bus is hoped to help Amtrak advance its pledge to become net zero by 2045, with the company examining other routes within the National Network that could operate electric vehicles.
Photo Credit: Credit: Amtrak Amtrak
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