Louisiana Capital Shifting to Electric Transit

The city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is moving toward a zero-emissions public transit fleet with three additional all-electric buses, as reported in an article in the American Journal of Transportation. “The zero-emission, smooth-riding K8M 35-foot buses were built BYD at its Lancaster, Ca., Coach & Bus Manufacturing facility. Each vehicle is equipped with a 435kWh LFP battery and can be fully charged within three hours.”

The city’s transit agency, Capital Area Transit System (CATS), “has committed to growing its zero-emission bus fleet to at least 50% of the total number of vehicles it operates.” The city now has nine all-electric buses. “Every American-built, zero-emission BYD bus eliminates approximately 1,690 tons of carbon dioxide over its 12-year lifespan, according to the U.S. Transportation Department.”

The vehicles are already popular with riders, according to Dwana Williams, CATS Interim Chief Executive Officer. “The K8M 35-foot buses also are noted for their reliability and smooth, quiet ride. Each has a 32-passenger seating capacity and a 28-passenger standing capacity.”