Electric buses!
The future of canyon transit
Are electric buses able to drive up the canyon roads?
Yes! EBs have been tested on each of the Wasatch Front’s canyon roads with ski-resorts. Watch the video to see how the bus outperformed traditional diesel buses.
Right now UTA operates 3 EBs which travel from SLC to PC. These buses have successfully traveled the steep hills of 1-80 in all weather conditions.
On Feb 9th 2022, Students for the Wasatch rode an EB to Alta. No surprise the bus made it!
The event raised support for EBs in our canyon from Sandy’s Mayor Zoltanski, Alta’s Mayor Bourke, and Cottonwood Height’s Council Member Birrell.
How are EBs more effective than proposed alternatives?
Buses are scalable, so days when less people are visiting the canyon less buses can run. The gondola on the other hand can only operate in its entirety.
UDOT estimates the gondola will require 40,680 kWh/day (Section 18.4.6.2).
EBs use around 2kWh/mile and 3kWh/mile in cold weather (varies slightly between bus models (1, 2, 3, 4). Uphill travel will require more energy, but EBs are equipped with regenerative breaking, which recharges the battery and extends range.
What is the total cost of an electric bus?
UDOT estimates a diesel bus gets 3.2mpg on the 24 mile/RT LCC route, so a bus will require 7.5 gallons/trip (Section 18.4.3.2). At about $3.80/gal a diesel bus trip would cost $28.50.
An EB at 3kWh/mile on the 24 mile trip will take 72kWh/trip. At about $0.08/kWh an EB trip would be $5.76.
Prices calculated using February 2022 electricity (business) and diesel numbers.
An EB and its charging infrastructure costs about $865K, which is more than a diesel bus at about $500K. But, powering and maintaining an EB is far less expensive than a diesel bus.
What is the range of an EB?
EBs have a range of about 200 miles.
EBs can be charged at the location that the bus operator stores buses when not in use. Charging stations can also be located proximal to the canyons such as the park-and-ridees. Buses can also be outfitted with solar panels