Mass Transit Goes Airborne Source: ACRP Research Report 236: Preparing Your Airport for Electric Aircraft and Hydrogen Technologies About 300 firms are currently developing eVTOL technologies. Of these, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) identified 17 companies to participate in readiness exercises, testing passenger- and cargo-carrying technologies within urban environments. Once early prototypes…

After comparing plug-in hybrid, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell options, the takeaway is clear. Although the total cost of battery-electric buses (BEBs) remains slightly higher compared to hybrid vehicles, BEBs are the most cost-effective option today for reducing bus transit emissions. As vehicle technology continues to advance — battery costs are declining while range…

The $499-billion legislation contains nearly $370 billion in carbon reduction, resiliency, and clean energy incentives. Once fully adopted, analysts forecast the combination of grants and tax credits will cut U.S. carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030. Notable changes to the federal tax code include: Larger tax credits for renewable energy, clean transportation, and energy efficiency…

Prudent airport management calls for special planning efforts. Airports will need to better understand power demand forecasts, assess on-site energy generation and microgrid technologies, determine the likely timing of these changes, and predict their impact on current infrastructure. Large-Scale Airport Electrification Takes Off A recent Airport Cooperative Research Program study forecast the cumulative impact of…

As fleet operators consider a hydrogen-powered future, infrastructure considerations include the fueling capacity necessary as more FCEVs are added to the fleet, the impact of refueling stations on operational costs and maintenance procedures, and the overall environmental goals of the fleet-electrification transition. Photo courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory Falling Technology Costs, Greater Hydrogen Supplies…

Rising to the challenge, a market for fleet-charging services is taking shape. Fleet electrification creates opportunities for service providers who can efficiently and cost effectively install, operate, monitor and maintain charging equipment and related infrastructure. Greater understanding of these newly emerging business and financing models will ultimately lead to a faster, more widespread and cost-effective…

Successfully electrifying our nation’s bus fleets requires a renewed appreciation for the often-overlooked bus maintenance depot. The Role of Maintenance Depots To keep electrified fleets charged and well-maintained, bus depots will carry an outsized operational role. Bus depots include facilities and equipment for vehicle fueling, tire changes, washing, cleaning and fare collection, as well as…

As fleets shift to become increasingly electric, dispatchable generation and stationary battery electric storage systems (BESS) can be deployed in a hybrid configuration, supplementing available grid power. Electric Buses Will Fuel Load Growth In response to the growth of battery electric buses (BEBs), electric utilities anticipate that entirely new distribution substations, feeders and other infrastructure…

Prudent businesses and public agencies that proactively integrate carbon neutrality into their short- and long-term capital plans will be best positioned to enjoy the many potential benefits including capital and energy cost reductions. Those that wait until they’re compelled to change may be forced to scramble, or face fines or other financial penalties. Denver International…