COMMENTARY: Making public Transit Great Again
The White House, as part of its Clean Energy Savings for All summit, recently visited Spartanburg, South Carolina, to recognize the critical importance of clean energy and associated savings for all Americans. Specifically, the White House honored the work of Rep. Harold Mitchell and his tremendous efforts to bring 12,000 solar panels to the former Arkwright landfill site. The new solar farm will be able to power over 500 homes and significantly reduce carbon emissions. More broadly, the White House was there to spotlight those individuals and local companies that provide clean, renewable and sustainable solutions in the Upstate.
Greenville’s Proterra Inc, the nation’s leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, was one of those companies. In fact, Proterra provided transportation that day on a new Catalyst™ zero-emission, electric bus, which is currently deployed in Seneca, South Carolina, and averaging about 280 electric miles a day. Nationally, Proterra’s buses have prevented nearly 11 million pounds of emissions and have saved their customers over 600,000 gallons of fuel and $1.6 million in fuel costs, alone. Those efforts are that much more pronounced in Seneca, where they have deployed Proterra battery-electric buses for several years. In fact, Seneca has driven more than 387,000 e-miles to date, averaged 19.4 MPGe (compared to b/w 3-5 MPG for diesel and CNG), used zero diesel, saved 84,000 gallons of fuel and prevented 2.0 million pounds of GHG emissions.
Proterra’s tremendous growth in the last 18 months is validating its strategy that the public transit bus is the most economically and environmentally efficient mode of mass transit. The company has added 172 bus units this year alone — bringing the current backlog to 222 units. As part of this effort, Proterra has added 15 new customers in 2016, including SEPTA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Contributing to this sales effort are the numerous transit agencies and city councils that have adopted board resolutions to move toward an all-electric fleet and state and federal regulations that are accelerating the adoption of zero emission EVs. And while the emissions savings are a major draw, transit agency and university customers also expect to save money by purchasing an all-electric bus. The total cost of ownership is now 18 percent better for EV than diesel, CNG, or hybrid, which can translate into several hundred thousands of dollars in per-bus savings to a municipality.
Just about every transit fleet that has seriously studied this technology acknowledges that EV is the future of this market. Greenville is no exception, having made the electrification of its Greenlink transit fleet the centerpiece of its two most recent TIGER grant applications, and having pledged to pursue a LowNo grant with the Federal Transit Administration in 2017. There is a growing recognition locally and beyond that we all can play a major role in protecting this nation’s environment and one another by implementing clean and sustainable transit solutions. The South Carolina Clean Energy Alliance (SCCEBA) hosted thought leaders in Cayce to discuss the future of clean transportation in South Carolina, including electrification. And the GPATS Long-Range Transportation Plan (Horizon 2040) plans to address environmental issues associated with public transportation, including air quality.
Many are likely scratching their heads wondering what impact, if any, a Trump Administration will have on the future of electrification. But if the activities of the Upstate over the last few months are any indication, the future remains bright and promising. That future – with the help of Proterra zero emission, EV buses – will help solve the harmful effects of air pollution and climate change. These buses also will save taxpayers money. The best part is that Proterra is engineering and manufacturing these buses in Greenville. Despite those political differences that naturally emerge during an election season, our leaders seem less divided on the need for increased U.S. manufacturing. Well, Proterra employs about 150 people here in the Upstate and is proud to call South Carolina home. Twenty-two of our full-time employees hold degrees from Clemson University and two hold degrees from the University of South Carolina. The vast majority of our political leaders also seem to generally value innovation, advanced technology and entrepreneurship. Again, Proterra is the poster child.
The days of diesel buses are numbered, and, as a proud member of the Proterra team, I am incredibly proud that home-grown Proterra provides clean, quiet transportation for all. These buses are now providing clean rides throughout the United States to those who rely heavily on public transit, while at the same time enabling transit agencies and local communities — many of them disadvantaged — to experience significant environmental and economic savings. We will soon have buses operating in Greenville and plan to expand our footprint in the Seneca/Clemson area. And we will continue to make the Upstate proud by advancing electric vehicle technology to deliver the world’s best performing transit vehicles.
Eric J. McCarthy is VP of Government Relations and General Counsel at Proterra.