Seattle among first to get double-decker wireless electric buses
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Seattle will be one of the first cities in the U.S. to deploy double-decker electric buses with inductive wireless charging technology.
Why it matters: As states and municipalities across the U.S. take steps to decarbonize, gas-powered vehicles are being replaced by zero- or low-emissions substitutes.
What's happening: While many cities already have electric buses, including some that use InductEV's wireless charging technology, Sound Transit is the first in the nation to order the wireless double-decker buses built by Alexander Dennis, John Rizzo of InductEV told Axios.
- With the inductive technology, the Sound Transit buses will charge wirelessly while on their routes during the day when electric rates are more favorable, plugging in at depots at night only when needed, Rizzo said.
- Sound Transit will be the seventh transit agency in Washington, including those in Kitsap, Everett and Jefferson counties, to purchase buses using InductEV's charging technology, per Rizzo.
Catch up quick: Under a 2020 law, Washington is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, 70% by 2040 and 95% by 2050, per the state Department of Ecology.
- State initiatives include an $85 million investment in electric charging stations.
- Washington State Ferries began work last year to shift to a zero-emissions fleet by 2050.
What's next: The new buses are expected to be on the roads in 2027 or 2028, primarily on the Stride bus rapid transit lines, per Rachelle Cunningham of Sound Transit.