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    1. Bus
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    3. Hybrid, Hydrogen & Electric Vehicles

    New Flyer to deliver up to 25 battery-electric buses, associated charging infrastructure to Knoxville

    Oct. 14, 2020
    The new zero-emission buses will support existing KAT service and operate along Knoxville’s most diverse routes, serving students, seniors and the wider community
    Related To: New Flyer of America Inc.

    Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) has awarded New Flyer a contract for 12 zero-emission, battery-electric, 35-foot heavy-duty transit buses, with options to purchase up to 13 additional buses in 35- or 40-foot lengths throughout the remaining term of the five-year agreement. 

    “This contract includes charging infrastructure encompassing six depot chargers, one portable trailer-mounted charger and design-build support from New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions, including installation services, software and software services, training, warranties and commissioning,” said Chris Stoddart, New Flyer president. “Working with KAT on a comprehensive mobility solution including both buses and infrastructure will ensure an optimized approach to the design and deployment of zero-emission mobility.” 

    “KAT has been actively pursuing the transition to low and no-emissions in the KAT fleet over recent years,” said Isaac Thorne, director of transit for the city of Knoxville, Tenn. “Together with New Flyer, we are making zero-emission mobility a reality for the city of Knoxville. KAT and the city of Knoxville aim to lead sustainability in Tennessee, and together with New Flyer, we are building a more sustainable, livable and connected community.” 

    KAT celebrated the purchase of its first New Flyer battery-electric transit bus in December 2019 in a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring the mayor and council members. With more than 44 percent of the community’s emissions coming from transportation, KAT and the city of Knoxville have been transitioning to sustainable mobility over recent years, with more than 30 percent of its current fleet as hybrid-electric vehicles. The new zero-emission buses will support existing KAT service and operate along Knoxville’s most diverse routes, serving students, seniors and the wider community and providing fully accessible transit to essential stops and services in the city.