The City of Mountain View, California, is deploying five Motiv Power Systems electric-powered Ford E-450 shuttle buses. The all-electric shuttles, each with a range of more than 100 miles per charge, will ferry employees of the City and visitors between the City Civic Center and remote parking lots. The buses are part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operate more sustainably. 

Why Electric Buses?

Electric buses offer many advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles, including: 

  • Lower emissions: Electric buses emit no pollutants or greenhouse gases, making them a much cleaner option than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses.
  • Lower operating costs: Electric buses are cheaper to operate than ICE buses, since they require no fuel and have lower maintenance costs.
  • Quieter operation: Electric buses are much quieter than ICE buses, which can reduce noise pollution in urban areas.

The deployment of the electric shuttles is a part of the City’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels). The Plan also includes a goal of transitioning the city’s fleet of vehicles to electric power.