The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has received its first zero-emission buses. The two buses from GILLIG are battery electric.
“The delivery of these zero-emission electric buses is a major milestone for the JTA and brings us closer to achieving our long-term sustainability goals,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr. “We believe that electrification is going to be the standard at some point, not just an alternative fuel source. That is why we took this historic first step in 2021, so we are prepared to continue electrifying our fleet in the years ahead.”
The JTA’s Transit Operations Division is working on route planning, testing and commissioning of the buses for revenue service. Although not finalized, the JTA says it expects to place the electric buses in service along different routes, including Route 82: Amazon Shuttle, which goes between the JTA’s Armsdale Park-n-Ride; and the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Northwest Jacksonville.
The buses are built by GILLIG of Livermore, Calif., in collaboration with Cummins of Columbus, Ind., who designed and manufactured the electric propulsion system for the vehicles.
“It’s an honor to work with the JTA as they take a major step toward electrifying their fleet with the latest in battery electric bus technology,” said Bill Fay, GILLIG vice president of sales. “They are enhancing the quality of life for their communities by providing innovative, safe and efficient transportation.”
Each 40-foot bus can seat up to 38 customers. The buses include standard customer amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, digital on-board monitors and contactless payment through the MyJTA app.
Equipped with six onboard batteries, the buses are powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The JTA installed electric vehicle charging infrastructure on its Myrtle Avenue Operation Campus in 2020. Each bus has a battery capacity of 444 kWh, providing an estimated range of 150 miles. The buses feature a direct-drive traction motor with peak torque of 3500 Nm (2,582 lbs.-ft.), and utilize energy recovered from a regenerative braking system.
Built on the “Low Floor” platform, the GILLIG battery electric buses ensure parts and training commonality with the JTA's existing GILLIG fleet. Powered by the Cummins electrified powertrain, the buses have access to full local service support at Cummins nationwide service centers.
