CAT deploys first electric vehicles

The Chatham Location Transit (CAT) deployed its initial electric automobiles on April 23, pursuing a ribbon-chopping ceremony for the car or truck launch in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations.

The GILLIG battery-powered vehicles have been put into services Saturday early morning together the 14 Abercorn and 28 Waters routes, two of CAT’s most preferred assistance routes.

“As we rejoice the start of our emissions-no cost autos on Earth Day, it is vital to take note that environmental stewardship ought to not be a a single-working day affair,” stated CAT CEO Faye DiMassimo. “We remain dedicated to investing in a green future in the many years and many years in advance.”

CAT at this time has 6 electric powered buses in its fleet, with strategies to improve that number as diesel cars are aged out of support.

The buses are getting deployed in a phased method to establish the most effective and finest use of the vehicles. In the course of the preliminary section, only two motor vehicles will be in assistance at any time to make sure backups are accessible for use if required.

The zero-emission automobiles acquire about 2.5 hrs to charge and can run for about 220 miles among fees. Though upfront expenditures are higher, the buses are anticipated to price tag fewer than diesel autos about time because of to lowered functioning and upkeep costs, states CAT.

Charging stations have been put in at CAT’s bus good deal on East Gwinnett Street to energy the automobiles. In addition, CAT obtained a cellular charging trailer so that the electric powered buses can be charged in remote spots throughout hurricane evacuations and other emergencies. The buses are also equipped with roof-mounted charging rails, which will sooner or later allow for for overhead charging at equipped stops alongside bus routes.

Consulting agency HDR is presently acquiring CAT’s extended-term electrical bus roll-out and implementation system to document the general performance and working expenditures of the battery-run cars and assure efficient deployment. The strategy will support CAT prepare for the growth of the zero-emissions fleet, which could also include alternate systems these types of as hydrogen powered autos.