Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) has commissioned a new fleet of 10 battery-electric, zero-emission buses that will transport passengers and luggage between the airport’s parking lots, rental car center and terminals.
The buses were part funded by a US$5m zero-emission grant from the FAA and will replace the aging compressed natural gas bus fleet that has been operating at the airport since 2008. The electric bus fleet is anticipated to reduce ozone emissions by 1.1 tons over a 10-year period, which is the equivalent of 50 gas-powered passenger vehicles taken off the roads.
San José Mayor Sam Liccardo said, “We have deployed the largest fleet of electric buses at any airport in the country, as we continue to establish ourselves as a leader in combating climate change. These electric buses can help us significantly reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and represent a step toward our aspiration that an electric engine power every shuttle and bus on San José’s streets.”
SJC director of aviation John Aitken added, “SJC is continuing down a green path of enhancing the sustainability of airport operations as the buses are powered by the city’s very own San José Clean Energy source. With room for 40 passengers and their luggage on board, our travelers will enjoy a more comfortable journey between the parking lots and terminals, while having the satisfaction their zero-emission bus is contributing to cleaner air.”
The buses and charging systems were designed and manufactured locally by Proterra, a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, based in in California.